Joseph Paul Hren

Joseph Paul Hren Jr., 66, of Midvale, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at his home following a short illness.

A son of the late Joseph Paul Hren Sr. and the late Mary Effy (Swain) Hren, Joe was born May 11, 1947 at Twin City Hospital in Dennison, Ohio.

Joe graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1965. He then continued his education at Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus as well as the main campus and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Education degree.

He would then spend the next 30 years as a teacher for the Indian Valley School District. During his time at Indian Valley he taught many different subjects and classes and also served as a Driver’s Education Instructor and a track coach.

Following his retirement from teaching, Joe remained busy with a variety of other jobs and projects. Along with his family, he was the proprietor of Pappap Joe’s Jhips and Salsa and was also working with JVH Enterprises until the time of his illness. He also worked as an insurance agent, an Advanced EMT and a substitute teacher.

Joe will be remembered for his generous and soft personality who was a friend to all and one who knew no stranger. His kind and loving spirit was evident through his service, along with his wife, Valorie, as a foster parent. During an eight year period, Joe and Valorie fostered over 100 children.

He is survived by his wife, Mary “Valorie” (Oxley) Hren whom he married on February 11, 1978; his children, Matthew (fiancé, Cierria) Hren of New Philadelphia, Heather Hren of New Philadelphia, Nikki (fiance, Adam Fox) Hren of New Philadelphia, Samuel (Alliah) Hren of Columbus and Cheryl Allen of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Mykala Snyder, Nathan Reynolds, Anthony Hren, Micah McDonald, Austin Hren, Alivia Hren, Cooper Fox and Maxine and Esther and his siblings, Melvin (Jody) Hren of New Philadelphia, Alice (George) Torch of Dennison, Shirley (Bob) Barnhouse of Nebraska and Linda Hren of Uhrichsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren, Joshua and Brandon Reynolds.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 23, 2013 (TODAY) from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover and cremation will follow a private family funeral service.

Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Joseph Hren Jr. Memorial Fund c/o any Dover-Phila Credit Union location.