Norman "Joe" Foreman

Norman “Joe” Foreman (77) of Maricopa Arizona passed away after a long illness on May 30, 2013 at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Chandler, Arizona.
Joe was born in Garden Grove Iowa on November 10, 1935 to parents; Theodore and Fairy Foreman. At the age of 16, Joe and his family moved to Arizona (Apache Junction, Tucson and Maricopa).
While Joe was in Maricopa he began courting Thelma Wagner and became a bigger part of the Wagner family. He would also find lifelong relationships with the many friends he made within the Ak-Chin Indian Community where the Wagner’s lived, something he cherished always.
Joe first found work operating heavy equipment with the Jack Kleck Construction Company, which often took him all over the great State of Arizona. He especially loved time spent working construction at the Grand Canyon. He would always return to Maricopa where his heart was and decided that it was time to put some roots down.
He began what would be a 17 year career for Bogle Farms in 1961, and continued working there until the Bogle Family sold their farm to make way for what would become Thunderbird Farms/Papago Butte. Joe found his last job with the Ak-Chin Indian Community in 1979, managing their above ground irrigation system for their Farm until his retirement in 2002.
Joe married Thelma Wagner January 1, 1963 in Winterhaven, California and together they lived at Bogle Farms until the farm sold. In 1964 Joe and Thelma welcomed their only child; Josie. The family would move into the big town of Maricopa in 1979. During Joe’s retirement years he spent his time helping his family (especially his grandsons; Jon Paul & Jacob), keeping up on the local gossip at Headquarters Café, and spending time talking with Andy Cole and Starlin Cox, each trading stories, something they all loved to do. Joe would often sit outside his home on the porch and was happy to give a friendly wave or talk with those who could manage to stop and talk for just a while. Joe was always ready with a wide smile and would do anything for anyone. Joe loved fishing, cooking BBQ and watching TV (especially the military channel or anything having to do with nature).
Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Thelma Foreman and a daughter; Josie Foreman-Argyros (Dr. Nick Argyros), two grandsons; Jon Paul Chernicky and Jacob Chernicky. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; Theodore and Fairy Foreman and a Granddaughter; Lauren Ellena August.
Joe came from a very large family. He was one of 17 children.
Living siblings are William “Bill” Foreman (Ruth) ~ Monmouth, OR, Robert “Bob” Foreman (Connie) ~ Dallas, TX, Sandra Schwartz ~ Houston, TX, Barbara Goodwin ~ Forney, TX, Susan Smith ~ Gates, OR, Jeannette Woodward ~ Silverton, OR, Randy Foreman ~ Silverton, OR.
Deceased siblings are Carl Foreman, John Foreman, Dale Foreman, Ida Foreman, Teddy Foreman, James Foreman, Dennis Foreman, David Foreman and Richard Foreman.
No services are planned at the request of Joe; burial will take place at a later date. Joe was a humble, kind and gentle soul who would only want everyone to remember him as he was. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that contributions be made to the Casa Grande Valley Humane Society, 15699 W Aniceto Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85193 (520) 836-0904.