Joseph Charles Born, 80, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by family.
Joe was born in Burlington on May 16, 1945, to Donald Born and Dorothy (Carhoff) Born, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses: Jim (Chris) Babcock, Donald (Susan) Born, Judi (Roger) Rheinholt, and Debbie (Butch) Goble, whom he loved dearly.
Joe is survived by his children: David Barnes of Hamilton, Illinois, and his daughters Michelle (Adam) Hill of Waukee, Iowa, and Cathy (Jeff) Kuhl of Bennington, Nebraska, whom he shared with their mother, Glenda (Rouse) Knoot. Joe and Glenda later divorced but remained connected through their family. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy: Jacob, Mason, and Allison Kuhl; Marley and Donovan Hill; Isaac Murphy; and Carter and Maddy Barnes. He is also survived by extended family including numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
A 1963 Burlington High School graduate, Joe continued his education through courses at Southeastern Community College. Throughout his working life, he served his community through roles at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, in maintenance at Burlington Medical Center, and ultimately through a long career with the City of Burlington, retiring as the General Foreman of the Streets Department.
Joe was a gifted problem-solver with a practical engineer’s mind. He started and owned several small businesses in construction and maintenance, and he was always thinking of new ideas, even as recently as last week inventing a product concept, he was eager to bring to life. He was a tinkerer, builder, fixer, and lifelong retrofitter who could solve nearly any problem placed in front of him.
Above all, Joe loved his family fiercely. He was a protector, especially of his daughters, and he was a proud supporter of every achievement his children and grandchildren accomplished. He believed in showing up for others, whether hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner at his apartment building or planting a garden for his neighbors.
Joe loved hunting and fishing, watching football, and cheering loudly for both the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. He was a longtime member of First United Church of Christ in Burlington, Iowa, where he found comfort.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11th at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, where the family will receive friends. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 12th at Lunning Funeral Chapel in Burlington. Pastor Judy Ann Morse will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Aspen Grove Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at First United Church of Christ on Columbia Street.
Joe will be remembered for his generosity, ingenuity, sense of humor, and the deep love he carried for those closest to him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com