Frederick Joseph "Joe" Brandiger

Frederick Joseph "Joe" Brandiger beloved brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, passed away at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico on January 25, 2016 at the age of 93. He will be deeply missed. Joe was born to Cordelia and Frederick Brandiger on December 20, 1922 in Hesperus, Colorado, the third of five children. He is survived his sister, Elizabeth Finnegan of Bakersfield, California. He is also survived by his daughters, Chris Gentry, Julie Avery, Maryann Jones; and son, Tony Brandiger. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Brandiger, and daughter, Jan Walker-Avegalio. Joe served in the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II, stationed in Europe. After his service in the army, he went on to play football and basketball for Regis University, in Denver Colorado. At Regis he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business and went on to get his CPA. Joe began his career working with Ernst & Ernst in Denver before transferring to Albuquerque. Over the years since moving to Albuquerque, Joe worked for Ernst & Ernst, Rancher's Exploration and Development, C.L. Crowder Investments and finished his business career as Vice President of Finance with CVI Laser Corporation. Joe was well respected on a personal and professional level and looked up to by family, friends and colleagues. Joe retired at the age of 70, but held on to an office at CVI Laser until he was 74 so he could continue to interact, keeping his mind sharp. In his personal time, Joe enjoyed traveling. He and Mary Jane traveled many places around the world, but he really enjoyed road trips, as he loved to explore. The mountains of Southern Colorado were a favorite, where he enjoyed fishing with his family and friends. Joe was also very fond of tennis, and played regularly until he was 80. The family will have a private internment. Friends are invited to a memorial gathering and celebration of Joe's life on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the family home.