Joseph Suhr Highbarger
November 14, 1970 — October 29, 2024
Joseph Suhr Highbarger, 53, passed away Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 at Mercy West Lakes in West Des Moines, Iowa. Though he had been admitted to the hospital, his passing was sudden and extremely unexpected.
Joe was born November 14, 1970 to John and Jean Highbarger in South Bend, Indiana. The family lived for several years I n Hyde Park, NY. After his father’s untimely death, Joe’s mother moved the family to Ames, IA where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Ames High School in 1989 before attending Clarke College in Dubuque on a full tuition scholarship. It was at Clarke College, that he was advised to pursue a career in Actuarial Science. After graduating from Clarke in 1993 with a BA in Mathematics, he continued his studies for an additional year at the University of Iowa.
Joe began his actuarial career in Des Moines with Allied Insurance before taking a position with GuideOne Insurance where he spent the majority of his career. He also worked at Fireman’s Fund Insurance in Denver, CO, American National Insurance in Springfield, MO, and most recently, took a position with Grinnell Mutual Insurance. Joe became a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society in 2005. Joe was fortunate to have many colleagues throughout the years that became close friends and he treasured those friendships. He was a leader, a mentor, and a teacher throughout his career.
Joe met his wife, Jennifer, in 2000 in Des Moines. The couple moved to Colorado in 2002 and were married on Oahu, Hawaii November 28, 2003. In 2005 they moved back to the Des Moines area and had a son, Samuel Anson Highbarger in June of 2007. Joe considered being a husband and a father to be his greatest role and loved traveling and making memories with his family. He was the absolute best father and husband and will be so incredibly missed. As a self-proclaimed introvert, Joe was quiet and reserved, often sitting quietly at social events, taking it all in, waiting for the right moment to jump in with a witty comment. Those who knew him best know that he was not only one of the smartest people in the room, but also sneaky funny and accompanied by a little smirk. Joe (also known as Joey to many) was a lifelong Iowa State Cyclone fan and enjoyed many years as a season ticket holder for football and men’s basketball. He loved tailgating with friends on a nice fall day and cheering on the Cyclones to victory (though sometimes victory was elusive). He was also a big fan of Cubs baseball and went to many games at Wrigley Field making sure Sam attended a game by the ripe age of three months. The Highbarger family have what some may consider a “slight” Disney and Universal obsession and could be found at a theme park in central Florida on most long weekends when there was a school break or holiday. Jen and Sam were fortunate to have a final trip with Joe to Disneyland just a few weeks ago and will hold those memories tight.
Joe often told his wife that he was magnanimous as a joke, but he truly was a magnanimous person. He was generous, forgiving and had the biggest heart, always helping others on their path and never holding resentment or a grudge.
To Joey, the magnanimous, never forgotten, always loved.
Joe is survived by wife of nearly twenty-one years, Jennifer Highbarger; his son, Samuel Anson Highbarger; mother, Jean (Highbarger) Klute; brother, Matthew (Helene) Highbarger; stepbrother, Kevin Klute; mother-in-law, Pat Roach; father-in-law, Ed Roach; and sister-in-law, Hillery Roach.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Highbarger; stepfather, Dennis Klute; paternal grandparents, Samuel and Isabel Highbarger; and maternal grandparents, Virtus and Dorothy Suhr.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Celebration of life will follow the next day at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9 at the same location. There will be an ISU Game Watch/Reception in Joe’s honor at the Star Bar, 2811 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines following Joe’s Celebration of life. Please feel free to wear your ISU gear to Joe’s service or bring a change of clothes for the Star Bar.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to The American Heart Association (heart.org) or National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa (namiiowa.salsalabs.org).
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jeff Menary
11/13/2024
Jennifer and Sam,
We were all shocked and sanded to lose a new college and friend. Joe in a brief time with us demonstrated what an outstanding individual he was. I wish I could have gotten to know him better.
Everyone at Grinnell Mutual is so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you have of Joe carry you forward in God's hands.
Jeff Menary
Carrie Brugger
11/09/2024
It isn’t often you find someone who is humble, hilarious and kind all wrapped up in one really intelligent dude. I always enjoyed cracking jokes with Joey. His wit was matched only by his devotion to Jen & Sam. 💛
Colleen Sengpiel
11/05/2024
I remember Joe from GuideOne and the comments in the obituary ring true for me. I knew he was a Cyclone fan (Like me!) and quite witty if the content of the conversation warranted it! I am so sorry for your sudden loss.
Thomas Hettinger
11/03/2024
Many of us in the actuarial community are shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Truly a kind and intelligent soul.
Anne Dalton
11/02/2024
My deepest condolences to the Highbarger family. Joe is such a remarkable soul - kind, welcoming, generous and never judgemental. I had the honor of getting to know him among our close-knit family at Clarke. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort in his memory.
Tracy Hamel
11/01/2024
I will forever treasure Joe’s counsel and friendship throughout our time working together. We shared that “slight” obsession with Disney and Universal (I was always a “little” jealous when he would text me a photo from the parks, or show off his latest souvenir). You don’t know how much you miss someone until the opportunity to catch up is no longer there. Sending all my love to Jen and Sam and all of those he had an impact on. He made a huge impact on so many and will be truly missed.
Ann & Brent Michelson
11/01/2024
Jen and Sam, we are truly sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Joe at GuideOne and especially appreciated his sense of humor. We are grateful that you included us in your tailgate group at the Cyclone football games at Joe’s rock star spot right outside the stadium. We have good memories of those days. We hope your memories of good times as a family help ease your sorrow. Ann & Brent Michelson
Wade E Sheeler
11/01/2024
Although Joe's time at Grinnell Mutual was short, all of his Grinnell Mutual family will greatly miss him. We were all looking forward to getting to know him and work with him. Sincerest condolences to his wife and son.
Matt (and Helene) Highbarger
11/01/2024
From his earliest days, Joey was always inquisitive and wise. His wife, his son and his Cyclones all brought him great joy and pride, I am certain his love for them will transcend and endure.
Helene and I are both truly shocked and saddened at his unexpected passing.
Rest in peace, my younger brother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who mourn his passing and celebrate the joy of his life eternal.
Gene & Sue Otto
11/01/2024
Sue &!I were very shocked to hear of Joes’pasding. Fate can be hard to understand,, but I truly believe the Man upstairs has a special need for Joe’s service. We hope you & Sam find comfort in all the good Family memories.
Mitch & Myriah Drolema
10/31/2024
We are so very saddened to hear this news. Mitch will forever cherish all the memories with Joe at Clarke University and then after graduation in good ole Morrison. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending hugs and prayers!!!
Chris Taylor
10/31/2024
Joe was a delight to work with. He always treated me as a valued peer, even though I considered him to be so much more advanced than I in both career and ability. I loved his humor and I always looked forward to when he wore t-shirts to work (they were delightfully nerdy).
My heart breaks for yours.
Hasnain Rizvi
10/31/2024
Sincerest condolences to Joe's family, friends and all whom he touched in life.