Joseph “Joe Joe” Richard Mottern passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Joe was born on December 4, 1942, in St. Maries, Idaho, to Joseph and Virginia (Crocker) Mottern. He was the fourth of six children.

He attended St. Mary’s Academy through the eighth grade and served the church as an altar boy.  He graduated from St. Maries High School with the Class of 1962. His senior motto was, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”

Following high school, Joe attended Kinman Business School in Spokane before enlisting in the United States Army. Stationed in Europe, he operated computers from moving trains, an innovative assignment for the time. During his leave, he pursued his passion for automobile racing by attending races throughout the continent.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Joe returned to St. Maries and began working with his father at Mottern Ford. Before long, his cousin Andy Resor and friend Bill Graham encouraged him to explore opportunities with The Boeing Company in Seattle. Joe interviewed on a Thursday, was hired on the spot, and began work the following Monday. Drawing on the computer skills he developed through business school and military service, he enjoyed a successful career with Boeing until his retirement.

An outdoor enthusiast, Joe loved canoeing, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his beloved dog, Sam. He was a member of the Boeing Mountain Climbing Club and proudly climbed Mount Rainier twice. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed amateur photography throughout his life.

In 1990, Joe married Julie Engstrom, and together they made their home in Tacoma before later relocating to Whidbey Island. Following retirement, they traveled extensively, visiting destinations throughout the Far East and Russia and taking driving tours across the United States. After Julie’s passing in June 2022, Joe moved to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to family.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Julie; his siblings Edwin Mottern, Carol Mottern, and Judy Bergland; and his faithful Labrador companion, Big Sam.

He is survived by his brothers, Bruce (Cindy) Mottern and John (BertaLee) Mottern; his sister-in-law, Sharon (Bob) Simpler; his brother-in-law, Kerry (Claudia) Engstrom; their families; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will cherish his memory.

A memorial picnic celebrating Joe’s life will be held in July. You may view his tribute page at www.hodgefuneralhome.com.