Joseph Wrede Passes at Age 68

Joseph M. (Reggie) Wrede, 68, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha after a lengthy illness.

Per his wishes, Joe was cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Joe was born on December 1, 1954 to John C. and MaryAnn Wrede in Yankton, South Dakota. In 1972, he moved with his parents to Greeley, the place he would call home for the remainder of his life.

He was an adventurous free spirit who lived his life as he wished. A talented and intuitive auto mechanic, Joe was usually working on at least one vehicle, which under his deft hand would come out as good as new (nearly!). As a self-taught carpenter and handyman, his understanding of how things worked helped Joe improve his and others’ lives. A natural teacher, Joe shared his knowledge with family and friends leaving a legacy of “can do.”

Joe enjoyed planting and tending his garden and made sure others benefited from what he grew. You could always count on his orchard to have the best fruit.

Friends were a very large part of Joe’s life. He had a giving heart and was always ready to offer help to anyone who needed it. Joe was a kind soul and will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.

He is survived by step-sons, Jesse Anderson of St. Paul and Justin Anderson of Grand Island; step-daughters, Kiri Lyn (Anderson) Glenn of St. Libory and Ericka (Anderson) Creek of Palmer; seventeen step-grandchildren; two brothers and spouses, Douglas J. Wrede and Carole of Greeley and Bernie Wrede and Carol of Norfolk; two sisters, Claralynn Nelson and spouse John of Dannebrog and Maria Dierks of Grand Island; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and other extended family. Joe was predeceased by his parents; step-grandson, Matthew Piche; niece, Jill Wrede; great nephew, Jonah Hahn; and brotherin-law, Herb Dierks.