Joseph John Bloyder

Joseph John Bloyder, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2015.

Joe was born on Dec. 3, 1939, in Bayonne, N.J., to Joseph F. and Estelle Bloyder. He had one older sister, Irene. Joe's intelligence showed up at a young age when he graduated with honors from Saint Peter's Prep High School in Jersey City, N.J. At a young age, Joe had a passion for aviation and wanted to be a pilot. He graduated from St. Louis University Parks College with an aeronautical engineering degree in l960 and went directly into the United States Air Force and pilot training. He flew F-102 jets, which he loved, and then, upon leaving the USAF, he flew commercially for Pan American Airlines, was chief test pilot for Falcon Jet Corporation and finished his flying days with Delta Airlines. Joe retired at age 60, after 39 years of living out his passion of being a pilot.

Joe was a true Renaissance man, speaking several languages, playing multiple musical instruments, having poetry published and writing a children's book.

Joe loved aviation, his country and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Murphy Bloyder; daughter Jessica Royer; son-in-law Nate Royer; son Joseph Bloyder; daughter-in-law Shannon Bloyder; and granddaughters Mikayla, Lexie, Delaney and Ela Bloyder.

Graveside funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Yellowstone National Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Hilands Golf Club.