Joe Alfred Sagebiel of Fredericksburg passed away on April 4, 2026 at the age of 84. He was born in Gillespie County to Victor G. Sagebiel and Eleanora "Nola" Loth, February 17, 1942. Joemarried the love of his life Madeline Sophie Friedrich, onNovember 24, 1962.

Joe attended Willow City School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1960. He played football and was active in 4-Hduring high school. Joe received a college scholarship for his 4-H Land Conservation Project. Joe attended Texas A&M University receiving his BS in Animal Husbandry in 1964. While at TAMU he was in the Corps of Cadets and was also amember of the Livestock Judging Team. He enjoyed attending their annual reunions for many years. He went on to the University of Missouri where he received an MS and PhD in Animal Breeding in 1966 and 1970 respectively. While at the University of Missouri Joe oversaw research in total confinement of feedlot cattle at Weldon Springs Research Center. Joe accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Agriculture at Illinois State University in 1970. He taught courses in Animal Science, Beef Production, Feeds and Feeding, Nutrition, Genetics and Animal Breeding. During that time he partnered with former students Pat Collins and Bernie McNamara in a confinement beef cattle feedlot operation north of Normal, IL. In 1980 he and Madeline moved to Canyon, Texas as Joe had accepted a Professor of Animal Science position at West Texas State University. He started a Graduate Feedlot Management program with internships for students at area feedlots. Joe retired from West Texas State University and teaching in 1989 to work as a nutritionist at Wendland's Feeds in Temple, Texas. In 1992 Joe and Madeline returned home to Fredericksburg and began ranching full time. Along with his ranching duties Joe served on the Central Texas Electric Coop Board from 1996 to 2008, as Vice President in 1998 and President from 1999 – 2001.

Joe was an outstanding mentor and friend to many of his students at Illinois State University and West Texas State University. Many of his former students went on to careers in various areas of the Cattle Feeding Industry as well as Ranching and Cow/Calf Operations. While Joe had very high expectations of of his students he also was a "hands on" advisor who was always available for advice, just be sure you had the time to listen and would heed his words. While at ISU and WTSU Joe and Madeline became like second parents to many of the out-of-town students with them often hosting holiday dinners or summer barbeques for those who were not able to make it home. Joe lovingly cared for Madeline in their home when she fell ill. He enjoyed spending time caring for his cattle, chickens, guineas and deer. He also lovingly looked after Madeline's flowers of which she would be so proud. And boy did he love a good George Strait tune, a fine fiddle and a waltz.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Madeline Sophie; parents Victor G. and Eleanora "Nola" Sagebiel and brother Randy.

Joe is survived by his sister Priscilla Gill of Houston, brother Mike & Peggy Sagebiel and sister Kathy & Richard Strickland all of Fredericksburg; his beloved Yorkshire Terrier Willie and Border Collie Skye, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends and former students.

A special thank you to the Doss Volunteer Fire and EMS Department and the Gillespie County Sheriff's Department.

The funeral service will be Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Texas. Visitation 9:30 AM, service 11:00 AM, lunch to follow at Noon, with Burial 2:00 PM at Friedrich Family Cemetery.