Joseph Louis Lebherz

Joseph Louis Lebherz, age 96, died Saturday, April 29th. Born April 11, 1927 in Frederick, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Mary Lescalleet Lebherz of Frederick. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School in Frederick and Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a hospital corpsman at the Naval Base in the Panama Canal Zone, received the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Margaret Green Lebherz on December 18, 1947 sharing almost 75 years of marriage. The family moved to Catonsville, Baltimore County in 1959 and resided there for 46.5 years and returned to Frederick in 2005 after they both retired. He was employed in Baltimore by the Crown Cork & Seal Co., Western Electric Co., and Eastern Stainless Steel Corporation from which he retired in 1986 as Director of Business Systems. Early in his career, he computerized the melting of steel at a time when it was unheard of, as per an article in 1960-1970 national magazine, Iron Age. Workmen no longer had to stand and watch the thermometer until it reached a certain degree before going to the next step. He was active with the Boy Scouts and coached Little League Baseball and Football teams over the years. In 1942, he was one of the founders of the Frederick Senecas football team under Coach Mike Brittian. This team was the impetus for the return of football to Frederick High School. In retirement, his computer expertise was often sought out by friends and family as the personal computer became commonly used. He was a longtime genealogy activist, primarily of the Lebherz and Lescalleet Families, and enjoyed several trips to Germany in that pursuit. He was a member of Palatines to America and other genealogical societies. Joe and Margaret enjoyed traveling making numerous road trips criss- crossing the United States and Canada. He was a published poet with several poems appearing in various magazines and regaling family and friends with his odes. He was a Meals on Wheels Volunteer for 24 years in Baltimore County and Frederick. He is survived by four children: Marian L. Lebherz of Harrisonburg, VA; “Lennie” Lebherz Herrmann and husband Roger of Spokane Valley, WA; Joseph Lebherz Jr. and wife Angela of Eldersburg, MD; Daniel Lebherz and wife Elaine. of Middletown, OH; seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Daniel Jr., Jane, Annie, Julia, Rebecca, and Karly Jo; and eight great grandchildren: Aiden, Jacoby, Juliana, Ariana, Wolfgang, Theo, Joseph and Axle. He is also survived by a sister, Louise Shoemaker, sister-in-law Ann Ashbury Lebherz and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers Robert W. Lebherz, Jr. and Francis G. Lebherz. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements by Keeney & Basford Funeral Home East Church Street, Frederick, MD.