Joseph Albert Putthoff, was born to Albert and Florence Putthoff in Kansas City, MO where he spent most of his life. He passed away at the age 91, of congestive heart failure, in Springfield, MO. Joe retired from Constable Hodgins Printing Company in Kansas City in 1989, where he had worked for 47 years as a top seller and later Executive Vice President of the firm employing almost 200 employees. He moved to Springfield shortly thereafter and married Ethel (Zangrilli) Gibson. They enjoyed many happy years together before his passing. Joe was not content being idle in retirement and began working at Christian Healthcare for about 9 years and most recently part time at HyVee, where he liked meeting the customers and serving as a food demonstrator. He worked there until his health began declining a few months ago. He was a WW2 veteran and served in combat in the U.S. Army with the 86th Infantry Division, Black Hawks. He served in Europe and fought in many battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. After leaving Europe, Joe served in the South Pacific. Joe was very active in his personal life and was a licensed pilot for many years and loved to fly his Piper Cherokee until he decided it was time to give it up and leave the flying to the younger guys and enjoy boating instead. He formerly served on the Advisory Board of Research Medical Center in Kansas City for many years. Joe was a member of the Elks Club for over 40 years and belonged to Lodge 409 locally. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Paul and Fred and his first wife, Mildred. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ethel, her two children Ray Gibson and wife Gail of Parkville, MO and Shelly Gibson Nyweide and husband Jeff of Manchester Center, VT, three grandchildren: Huck Gibson, Christina Gibson and Sophia Nyweide, whom he dearly loved. He is also survived by several nieces, great-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dominic Meldi, M.D. for the excellent care given to Joe; also the Hospice Compassus staff who administered to him during his final months. We will miss you, Joe and your witty reply when someone would inquire as to how you were. With a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye, the answer was always: "If I felt any better I'd get into trouble." Funeral services will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beforehand from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hopeworks, 543 State St., Camden, NJ 08102 or Hospice Compassus, 1465 E. Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804.