Born December 28, 1963, in St. Louis, Missouri. Beloved son of the late James A. Auffenberg and Barbara A. Auffenberg. Surviving are his four siblings: James, Jr. (Ellen), Thomas (Dale), Christopher (Patricia) and Anne Rabenberg; his nephews and nieces: Claire (Preston), Matthew, Michael, Ryan (Anna), Greg (Carolyn) Elizabeth (David fiancé), David, Christopher, Jr., Maggie, Timmy and Ellie; his great-nephews Milo and Carter and his great-niece Laine, numerous cousins, and his aunts and uncles: James and Mary Coppedge, Robert J. Auffenberg, Josephine Auffenberg and Sharon Auffenberg. We will be forever grateful to the people of St. Louis ARC for all their years of loving care and concern for Joe. There is so much one can say about Joe that it is hard to know what to choose. He was a gift of love to all who knew him, and many became better people as a result of knowing him. He accomplished this without a lot of planning or work, but simply by being Joe a loving, welcoming, accepting, grateful, compassionate and very, very funny person who made quick friendships with almost everyone who cared to be his friend. Joe might have set a world record for the number of birthday, anniversary, Valentine, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas cards sent over his lifetime. He always wanted to make those days special for those he cared for by remembering them with a card, and so many were deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. One of Joe's favorite volunteer duties was serving as a board member for St. Louis ARC. He enjoyed the opportunity to contribute on important decisions affecting people with developmental disabilities, and he was particularly fond of the camaraderie and food which followed those meetings. Joe's life will make a lasting impression on the world as those who learned from him about what is important in life continue to teach others what he taught them.


Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Feb. 13 to Feb. 14, 2014