Joseph Charles Janssens

passed away on December 19th, 2025, at his residence in Gresham, Oregon.

Joe grew up in Estacada, OR where he gained a strong work ethic and lifelong friends. A physical guy, he was athletic and though work became his idea of play, he was always active. After graduating from Estacada High School, he was hired by PGE, then served in the Marines during the Korean War. While the Marines tried their best to have him stay and join the ranks of the SEALs, he had other ideas.

Returning home he rejoined PGE where in his career spanning 37 years, he served in various roles working up from Hydro Maintenance to Groundman, Apprentice, Lineman, Foreman, Working Line Foreman, Asst. General Foreman, Special Tester (one of two hot-shot trouble shooters city wide), Senior Special Tester, and finally, System Line Inspection Supervisor. He worked on the Big 500 line bringing power from Boardman across the state to the Portland metro area, and never missed working a storm in the Pacific Northwest- including Columbus Day. He loved the camaraderie, problem solving, and took pride in the service they provided to ensure we could all have power and remain safe and warm in our homes. Armed with curiosity, skills, and talent, early in his career as a lineman he invented a timesaving device still used today.

While he could have a tough exterior, he was a very social guy and could be quite charming. He loved nothing more than getting together with friends, and as President, organizing reunions with his dear classmates.

Throughout his over 90 years, the biggest love of his life remained the Osprey, a 58’ steel hull he spent 8 years bringing to life as a 64’ cold weather sailboat. He made deep friendships along the way both building it, as well as while navigating the seas of Canada, Alaska, and south into Mexico. Moving to Bend brought up issues of practicality trying to maintain such a vessel, so he sold it and tried his hand with RV life as a snowbird. He let that fad pass in favor of the freedom of projects around the house, including buying a rusted bucket of bolts and restoring it into a beautiful ’54 Austin Healey, and improving the desert landscape around him.

A strong, capable, and determined guy, he did everything with intention, and until his end, each day always accomplished something.

He is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Lora and Erin, dear friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him. There will be a Celebration of Life for friends to join family on March 20th beginning at 4:00 at Sandy River Gardens, 29311 SE Stark, Troutdale, OR, with a hosted reception following.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or leave a message at 503.729.6565 by March 1st.