Joseph F. Dannenfelser

Joseph Francis Dannenfelser, 80, of Edgewood, MD passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Born in Baltimore, MD, Joe was the beloved son of the late Joseph George Dannenfelser and Kathleen C. (Ruth) Dannenfelser. Joe was the devoted husband of Regina Marie Dannenfelser, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Joe is survived by his loving children, Amy Christine Emge (husband, James), and Jennifer Anne Dannenfelser. He was a proud grandfather to Justin Emge and Patrick Emge, and Aaron Drummond and Mattea Drummond.

To say he was an avid fishermen would be an understatement. His favorite saying with a laugh or two was, “A bad day fishing is better than the best day at work.” Joe was known for his love of family, willingness to lend a friend a helping hand and his enthusiasm for sharing one or two of his favorite stories.

Joseph is a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and obtained a BS in Mathematics from Loyola University with a minor in education and ROTC. He served in Vietnam as a combat engineer officer in 1969; was an Assistant Professor of Military Science and earned his Master’s Degree at Lehigh University; and graduated in the top 10% of the Engineer Officer Advanced Course at Fort Bel Voir. He left the army in September 1975 and began a career with the Army National Guard in 1976 that spanned 34 years, culminating with the rank of Brigadier General.

Joseph also worked for 10 years with Baltimore City Public Schools, as Mathematics Department Head with Benjamin Franklin Middle School from 1980-1984, and then as Vice Principal with Greenspring Middle School from 1984-1990.

As a Lieutenant Colonel, Joseph’s full time service with the National Guard began in 1987 where he served as Battalion Commander Mobilization Officer and Training Officer. He was promoted to Colonel in 1992 and concurrently served as Director of Construction and Facilities Management, and Director of Installations, Maryland Military Department. He was named Brigadier General and retired from the National Guard in 2002. He completed his career as an independent consultant for the Directorate of Construction and Facilities Management.

Those who knew Joe best during his retirement years will remember him on a boat with a fishing rod in hand, walking his dog, Rusty, reading a book, or sharing his thoughts on just about anything. He will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the National Guard Relief Foundation (eangus.org).