Joseph Lee House , age 95 and a lifelong resident of rural Elwood, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 13, 2020 following a long, full life.  He was born October 10, 1924 in Hamilton County, the son of Russell and Muriel (Musselman) House.  Joe graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1942, and started farming at a very early age.  He was the owner of J.L. House Farms, Inc. and J. and M. House Farms, Inc., and he remained active in the management of his family farming business to the end of his life.  Joe married Mary Margaret Faust on August 24, 1947, and they shared nearly 70 years of marriage together prior to her passing in 2017.  He was a member of the Aroma United Methodist Church, the former Elwood Country Club, and the Elwood Elks Lodge #368.  Joe was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Star Financial Bank for 25 years from 1975 to 2000.  He enjoyed fishing and playing Black-Jack when he wasn't farming.  More than anything, Joe was devoted to his family and to his love of farming.

Joe's family includes a son, Dr. Jerry (wife Sharon) House of Indianapolis; 4 grandchildren, John House, Dr. Katherine House, Brian House, and Julia Greenwald (husband James Jay); 3 great-grandchildren, Isabell House, Elaina House, and Theodore Jay; son-in-law, Larry Greenwald of Florida; sister-in-law, Marcia Ann House of Atlanta; and several special nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by both his parents; wife, Mary Margaret House; daughter, Carol (House) Greenwald; two brothers, David House and Marion "Skip" House; and two sisters, Betty House and Minnie Ann Hobbs.

Per Joe's wishes, a private family gathering and funeral will be held at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with members of his family speaking.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Aroma United Methodist Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories are encouraged and may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.