Joseph Ludwig Andorfer

Joseph Ludwig Andorfer, 80, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Lincoln Village Healthcare Center in Lincoln, IL.

Joseph (Joe) was born July 10, 1943 in New York, NY to Ludwig and Elizabeth (Dobler) Andorfer. Joe grew up in New York City and graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in Business. After college, Joe entered into the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant and trained as a pilot. He served during the Vietnam War, living in Thailand for about a year. While he was stationed at Otis Airforce Base in Cape Cod, MA, he met his wife Irene, and they were wed in 1969. Joe left the Air Force as a Captain in 1971.

After serving his country, Joe and Irene moved back to New York where Joe worked in the IT department at Avon. Their daughter was born in 1974, and a couple of years later, they decided to move out of the city and raise her back in Illinois. They settled in Rochester, IL, where they have resided ever since. Joe continued to work in IT throughout his career, including tenure at Franklin Life Insurance Company, Horace Mann, and the State of Illinois. Joe finally retired from the State in 2015.

Joe was a colorful storyteller, captivating and/or horrifying (Joe’s style was to go for shock value) any audience who would lend an ear. He was known as a prankster, with many stories from family, friends, and work colleagues. While he couldn’t remember the name of actual people that he knew to save his life, he could rattle off historical facts with the best of them, spending a lot of his free time reading history books or watching history programs on TV. Joe had a very eccentric palate and would try any food at least once. He enjoyed travel with Irene, whether it was to far off destinations or visiting his grandsons in Mundelein.

Joe is survived by his wife, Irene (Tappendorf) Andorfer of Rochester; daughter Heidi Andorfer (husband, Jon Hamberg) of Mundelein, IL; grandsons, Jake, Ben and Isaac Hamberg; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A private family service will be held at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Donations honoring Joe can be given to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.

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