Joseph George Semler, 94, passed peacefully with family by his side on July 27, 2026. “Papa Joe,” as affectionately known by many, was born on January 22, 1932 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to William and Agnes (Wagner) Semler and was one of eleven children. It was in this family that his devotion to our Lord and the Blessed Mother was formed. Family was a very important part of his life, and he made sure his children were able to share those devotions. He graduated from West Deer High School and served in the United States Army in the Korean War, where he was honored with a Bronze Star Medal. When he returned, he learned to make printing ink with Sinclair & Valentine and moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he met and married his wife, Gloria Newell Semler. They were married for 52 years and were blessed with seven children. In 1970, he packed everyone up and moved to Dallas, Texas, where they raised their family and taught their children and grandchildren what it was to be a true servant of our Lord.
Joe was a long-time member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas, and a Fourth-Degree Knights of Columbus. He served his church parish as an usher and enjoyed volunteering in his community. He lovingly cared for his wife during her illness, and after her passing in 2009, he filled just about every moment of his time serving others by delivering food and necessities to those in need. Never was there a neighbor’s yard he didn’t tend to when they could not. Anything anyone needed at any time, he was there.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, William and Agnes Semler; and siblings Robert Semler, Jean Byrne, Hilda Gilg, Albert Semler, and Charles Semler.
Joe is survived by his siblings, William Semler, Gerry Saber, Mary Semler, Agnes Marlovits, and Barbara Halliwell; children Marlene (Rick) Mathewson, Marie (Donald) Brewer, Joseph (MaryAnn) Semler, Mary (Brandon) Shuler, Carl (Melody) Semler, Fr. Andrew Semler, and Margaret Shelton; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations of remembrance may be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
