Joseph Thomas Lindbloom Obituary

Joseph T. “Joe” Lindbloom, 78, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2025, after a brief illness.

Joe was born on December 23, 1946, to the late Leo and Nano (Hickey) Lindbloom.

He was a loving husband to Cheryl Lindbloom and a beloved father to Erik (Lynn) Lindbloom, Jessica (Ryan) Fletcher, and Joe (Bridget) Lindbloom. He was also a loving grandfather to Kerra and Mia Lindbloom, Emerson and Owen Fletcher, and Jack and Dean Lindbloom.

Joe is also survived by his siblings, MaryAnne DeBruin, Leo (Kathy) Lindbloom, Rita (John) Fisher, and Mark (Jennifer) Lindbloom; as well as siblings-in-law, Margaret Rose Williams, Vicki (Jack) English, Kate Williams, and Steve Williams. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Joe was a much-loved physics teacher at Oak Forest H.S. for 35 years because he was a great storyteller and enriched his teaching with many humorous anecdotes.

He was working on his Ph.D. when he successfully refined the structure of Hurlbutite, for which he received requests from all over the world for copies of his research for several years into his teaching career. His research was ended when he was drafted for Vietnam, so he finished with a Master’s in Geology.

He loved to tinker with engines and worked with the Energy Club and another teacher, Bill Farley, to create an electric vehicle for which he won several awards. Joe was also the first to modify a Hispano-Suiza airplane engine to be put in a classic motorboat. He loved the water and all boats, but especially sailboats, and always had at least one. His last sail, and arguably his favorite, was with his son and grandsons in a “Viking longboat” put together by his daughter, son, and two grandchildren.

Joe could fix, and build, almost anything, including two homes he built and one he renovated. He could do plumbing, electrical circuits, carpentry, and cabinetry, but his special skill was in problem-solving and coming up with solutions when no one else could.

He was a much-loved husband, father, and friend, and will be missed terribly by many.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday August 2nd, starting at 10:00 a.m.(EST) with a service to follow at 11:30 a.m.(EST) at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, Granger IN 46530, enter off Cherry Rd.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe’s name, to Toys for Tots or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.