Joseph Alphonse Laker, 84, passed away on September 7th, 2025 at Wheeling Hospital, with his loving wife, Meg, by his side.

He was born on March 17th, 1941 to the late Anna Riegel and Alphonse Laker in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following his graduation from Marian College, he taught English in Kyoto, Japan. Joe received his Ph. D in History from Indiana University. He spent the next 33 years at Wheeling College teaching and mentoring students.

Joe is survived by his wife Margaret Geroch Laker, two step daughters, Elizabeth Bradburn (Paul) and Ellen Marie Bradburn, and siblings John Laker (Roberta), Thomas Laker (Mary Kay), Mark Laker (Elle), Rosina Laker Starks (Steve), Catherine Laker Kropp (Peter), Bernard Laker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by sisters Ma

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