Joseph's Funeral Service will be live streamed through the Grace Lutheran Church, Burke South Dakota, Facebook and Youtube pages.

Joseph W. Counselor (Joe) went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 1, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born December 27, 1944, in Guymon, Oklahoma to Arthur and Velma (Reno) Counselor. The family moved to Dubois, Wyoming in 1946. They later moved to Shoshoni, Wyoming where he graduated high school in 1962. Joe married Christina (Williams) July 25, 1965. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1972. He began his career with the United States Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in 1972. He held positions as county executive director in Gillette, Wyoming, Harrison, and Chadron, Nebraska. After becoming district director, he moved to Ogallala, and Hastings, Nebraska. He retired in June 2005.

Joe was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran church, and he was a faithful member of churches wherever he lived. He served in various offices in the church and taught adult Bible study classes. He loved camping, particularly in the mountains near Dubois, Wyoming. He enjoyed golfing, and spending time with beloved family members.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Raye Armour, and grandson Gunnar Holte. He is survived by the love of his life for over 60 years, Christina and three daughters; Karma (William/Skeeter) Schwader of Herrick, South Dakota, Erika (Scott) Moncrief of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Rachel (Matt) Holte of Seward, Nebraska. He was very proud of and adored his grandchildren, Kevin, Brittny (Camille), Elizabeth (Brenden) and their children Lindsey and Tysen, Katie, Christian, Gunnar, and Saffron. Joe had one nephew, Tipton (Stephanie) Reneau of Lubbock, Texas. He is also survived by his wife's six siblings and their spouses, and many nephews and nieces.

Memorials are suggested to Orphan Grain Train of Norfolk, Nebraska, The Kirby Place at the Walsh Village in Sioux Falls, SD which provides housing for families and patients to stay during cancer treatments or donor's choice.