Joseph Albert Hebda Jr.

March 4, 1930 – October 5, 2026

Joseph Albert Hebda Jr., affectionately known as Joe, was born on March 4, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, to Helen and Joseph Hebda. He lived a life defined by devotion to his family, service to his country, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering faith.

On September 4, 1951, Joe enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving three years on active duty and continuing in the reserves until September 3, 1959. His time stationed in Hawaii left a lasting impression on him. Joe loved sharing stories of his adventures at sea and his experiences in Hawaii with his children and grandchildren, reflecting on the lessons he learned and remembering those years as some of the best of his life.

In 1956, Joe married the love of his life, Betty Lou Bush, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned nearly 70 years. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. Family was always the foundation of Joe’s life. Their journey took them from Michigan to Arizona and eventually to Colorado, where they settled in 1976 and built their forever home. When asked about his favorite place in the world, Joe never hesitated to answer, “Colorado is God’s country.”

Joe dedicated 40 years of his career to Tutag Pharmaceuticals and its successor organizations, ultimately serving as National Sales Manager at the time of his retirement. He took great pride in his work and was admired by his colleagues for his integrity, kindness, and willingness to mentor others. Although his career he traveled to many places, his heart was always at home with Betty and their children.

In 1990, Joe and Betty welcomed their first grandchild, opening a wonderful new chapter in their lives. They would go on to cherish nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought them immense joy. Their home became the heart of the family—a place where generations gathered to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and life’s most meaningful milestones. These traditions fostered the close family bonds that Joe and Betty treasured so deeply.

Joe’s faith was another cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, he dedicated more than 20 years to running the church food bank, quietly serving others and putting his faith into action. Attending Sunday Mass alongside Betty was a cherished part of his life, reflecting the enduring devotion that guided him in all he did.

Above all, Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a proud veteran; a dedicated professional; and a man whose integrity, and faith touched the lives of those around him. His stories, wisdom, and steadfast love for his family will live on through the generations he leaves behind.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his children, Greg and daughter-in-law Sherri Hebda, Jeff and daughter-in-law Karen Hebda, Tamara and son-in-law Chris Byrd, and Doug and daughter-in-law Vanessa Hebda; his nine grandchildren, Kyra (Rehman) Edelman, Kayleigh (Rehman) Plessinger, James Byrd, Jake Hebda, Buster Hebda, Marlee (Hebda) Cahey, Katherine “Kat” Hebda, Jaxon Hebda, and Vaun Hebda; and his four great-grandchildren, Dawson and Kellen Plessinger, and Jesse and Levi Hebda. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia (Hebda) Brasch and Patricia (Hebda) Christos and many nieces and nephews.

Joe’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, faith, and service. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church located at 3141 W 96th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10:00AM.