Joseph Ernest Lunt, 78, passed away December 27, 2023, at Sanford USD Hospital in  Sioux Falls, SD with his family by his side. 

Joe was born August 4, 1945 outside the city of Bangor, ME. He was a revered Air Force veteran and served his duty in stations all over the world. After service to his country, he was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad where he retired as a brakeman after 20 continuous years. He continued to study Nursing at Western Iowa Technical Community College in Sioux City, Iowa. 

He and Julie Landman married on November 14, 1981. They both received Nursing degrees and relocated to Arizona, where he was employed at Cobra Valley Hospital in Globe, AZ. They enjoyed dancing, gardening, traveling, ATVing, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughter, Kimberly West; three stepchildren, Michael Medema, Michelle Bedford, and Corey Medema; four grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Ann, Cheryl; and brother, Curt. Preceding in death were his parents, Robert and Ruth Lunt; granddaughter, Skye; and his sister, Becky. 

The family will be present to greet friends for a Celebration of Life visitation from 5:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls.