Joseph N. Campopiano

Joseph N. Campopiano was called into the arms of God on March 12, 2021 following a brief illness. Joe was born on October 10, 1928 to Grace and Tony Campopiano.

Joe graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School after which he attended Drake University. He was a parts and service clerk for Peverell Motors and later worked at Niles and Jones. Joe met his wife Erma during high school, were married in March 1950, and had just recently celebrated 71 years of marriage.

In June 1948, Joe enlisted into the Air National Guard where he was called to active duty for the Korean Conflict, 1951-1952, and was assigned in Bangor Maine. He became a commissioned officer in 1956. During his career he was assigned to Base Operations; Motor Vehicle Squadron; Base Supply; Chief of Maintenance; and the Wing Resources Officer. At retirement in December 1983, Joe was awarded the honorary rank of Brigadier General and the Legion of Merit – the highest military award during peace time – for his work in the European theater managing deployments and coordinating the efforts necessary for the Air National Guard to take over the mission of the Panama Canal Zone from the Air Force, the Iowa Air Guard being the first. Joe received many other awards and decorations throughout his career. Joe was a life member of the National Guard Association; the Iowa National Guard Officers Association; the American Legion; and the 132nd Silver Squadron.

Since childhood Joe was a life-long avid model airplane builder and a longtime member of the Des Moines Model Aires. He was a sustaining member of the Indianola Model Aircraft Club.

Joe and Erma raised three children, Sally (Richard) Amundson; Brian (Gail) Campopiano; and Gina Fahrenholz. He and Erma spent many enjoyable years traveling with their recreational vehicle all over the United States. They enjoyed Music on the Lawn at the town square, the hot air balloon events every summer, and were sponsors for many years of the National Balloon Classic, all in Indianola. Joe was a member of the South Gate Masons Lodge 657.

Joe leaves behind his beloved wife Erma and their children to cherish his memories. He also leaves behind his granddaughters Rachel Amundson; Rebecca (Jeffrey) Wilson; and great granddaughter Natalie Wilson, as well as many other family and friends who enriched his life.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Frances Tillinghaust; and his brother Lewis Campopiano.


The family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Joe will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in his name can be sent to the National Balloon Museum, P.O. Box 149, Indianola, Iowa 50125.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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