Joseph R. Jemela, 91, of New Braunfels, passed away on July 12, 2026 in New Braunfels, Texas.  He was born on September 27, 1934 in Wallis, Texas to Frank, and Lillian (Chmelik) Jemela.

After graduating from Wallis High School, he married Carolyn Jez on November 25, 1956.  They had three children:  Donald "Donnie", Constance "Connie", and Joyce.   He worked for Frito-Lay for over 35 years, primarily as a route salesman, and mostly in Galveston County.   He was retired for over 30 years.   In 2009, they had moved from Texas City to New Braunfels, where he lived until his death.

He loved to travel, and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, grilling and cooking for family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lillian Jemela, and two brothers Frank Jr. and John Jemela.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn; children Don, Connie and husband Keith, and Joyce and husband Robert; grandchildren Meagan Piatkowski and husband Mark, Caleb Lowery and wife Codie, Angela Ferguson, and Grace Keas and husband Travis.   He is survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Merrick, Mitzi, Emma, Mason Piatkowski; Cori and Cooper Lowery; Braelynn and Delaney Ferguson, and Abigail and Hadassah (Haddie) Keas.   He was also survived by a sister, sisters in law, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels.  A Rosary will be held in the funeral home chapel at 6:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels.  A committal service will follow at Hill Country Memorial Gardens in New Braunfels.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eden Hill Communities, who has cared wonderfully for his bride, at 631 Lakeview Blvd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.