Joseph E. Orr, 81 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 8, 2026. He was born August 17, 1944, in Evanston, IL, to the late William and Cassie (Empfield) Orr. Joe graduated from Lowell High School in 1962, then proudly served in the United States Army from 1965-1967 and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joe began his career working for his great-grandfather’s company, “Orr Construction”, out of Chicago Heights, IL, as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator. He continued construction work with Reith Riley until his retirement. Joe was the local neighborhood handyman who generously helped his neighbors in need. You could often find Joe tinkering around his own house and yard too. When he wasn’t working or helping others, Joe loved speed boating with his family and watching his favorite TV show, “Hogan’s Heroes”. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who mostly kept to himself, but enjoyed the company of his neighbors. Joe will be dearly missed.
On March 26, 1966, Joseph married Janet Fischer, who survives, along with their sons: Todd Orr of Valparaiso, IN, and Scott (Katharine) Orr of Breckenridge, CO; grandchildren: Kathryn (Cory) Miller, Tyler (Taylor) Orr, Cooper Orr, and McKenna Orr; great-grandchildren: George, Oliver, Julia, Ellie, and two more on the way; siblings: Tom Orr, and Dorothy (Jesus) Sanchez; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Nomanson.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304.
