Joseph Kump Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Kump, Jr. was born October 23, 1942 in Brege, Yugoslavia which is now Slovenia and gained eternal life September 14, 2024 at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House. Joe immigrated to the United States with his parents and three brothers in 1950 where his parents worked on a farm in upstate New York and the boys were expected, by their father, to contribute to the family’s income by working before and after school, as well as on the weekend, until they moved to New York City where his father worked in a knitting factory. As a young boy in the City, Joe had a paper route and along with his older brother also cleaned one of several family-oriented bars in their neighborhood to contribute to the family’s livelihood. Joe still found time to be a registered Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Award, although it wasn’t ever awarded to him because a fire at the sponsoring church destroyed the application document before it was submitted to the Boy Scout headquarters. Joe was a registered scouter for over 50 years earning the Lamb Award for service in the Lutheran Church and the Silver Beaver Award as an adult. Joe started in the Boy Scout program as a youth and continued as a Cubmaster and committeeman for both the Boy Scout and Explorers programs as an adult. His last position was as liaison between the scouting programs and their sponsor, Faith Lutheran Church. Joe worked as a wood craftsman and later as supervisor in the cabinet shop at the University of Texas at Austin for 30 years where his proudest achievement was building the traveling case for the Gutenberg Bible. His craftsmanship was specifically requested often by department heads for their special projects. Joe’s employment at UT Austin led to him being a fan of UT athletics, especially women’s softball. He was a solid orange and white fan, Hook ‘em Horns! 🤘Joe also loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping with his family, often traveling his adopted state of Texas and the United States. Since retiring in 2007, Joe thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Men’s Breakfast Bible Study group. For numerous years he was an usher for worship services in January and February.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Suzette, who he promised his love and devotion on July 10, 1971. He’s also survived by his son Scott and his wife Nicole; daughter Amy Shaw; his girls (granddaughters) Shelby, Abbie and Alyssa; and his great grandchildren Jackson, Adalynn and Oakley. He’s also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins scattered across the U.S. Joe was predeceased by his parents Josef and Elisabeth Kump; stepmother Tillie Kump; brothers Rudolph (Rudy), Adolph (Eddie) and John; his in-laws Oliver and Mable Johnson and his wife’s sister and husband Joyce and Patrick (Pat) Roth.

Joe was born, baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, adopted the Lutheran faith following his marriage and was a faithful and devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church until his death.

The family wants to offer our deepest heartfelt thanks and love to Hospice Austin and the Christopher House doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers for their love and care not only for Joe but our entire family. They truly made our journey with Joe from his cancer diagnosis to his heavenly home entry bearable. We also want to thank Pastor Taylor Dieringer for her visits and loving ministry to Joe and our family while he was hospitalized and at the Christopher House, as well as Joe’s celebration of life.

Visitation with Joe’s family will be at Cook-Walden Capitol Parks, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 from 5:00 to 8:00 on September 22, 2024. Joe’s celebration of life will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757 on September 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Taylor Dieringer officiating. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden Capitol Parks Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Joe, we encourage memorial donations to Faith Lutheran Church, 6600 Woodrow Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757; Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, 2820 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, Texas 78702; or a charity of your choice.