Joe White

Joseph Dean White, 36, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

He was born on September 2, 1989, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of John White and Jacqueline (Cook) Phippen. During Joe’s childhood he lived in Exira and looked forward to spending weekends in Atlantic with his dad and brothers. He attended Exira Schools as a proud Viking! Joe was active in football and track and held a record for the shot put. Joe cherished his high school friends and stayed in touch with them over the years.

He loved music whether listening to it at school functions, with his headphones on in the hallways of EHS, at weddings—anywhere, really. Music always put Joe in really good mood, it was his saving grace. Joe was a self-taught, avid guitarist. He was so good at teaching himself that he learned how to play by ear, and could spend hours playing.

Joe started a relationship with Randi Crosley in 2006, and together they had Joey’s first son, Dayton White. He later met Stepanie Werner Poldberg and after dating they married in May of 2009. They were blessed with two children, Riley and Lucas White. Joe loved his children and always wanted what was best for them, and his last words were always “love you” to all his family.

He later reunited with Exira school classmate, Jessica Barlett and after dating for a couple years were married in September of 2021. Joe and Jessica enjoyed gaming out together, music, food and football. He loved spending endless hours on his Playstation, not only with his wife, but also with his siblings, sons, and friends.

Joe explored different kinds of work and helped his stepdad, Kris on several occasions on various construction and concrete projects. He knew concrete the best. His most recent job was at the Menards Distribution Center in Shelby, Iowa. He recently celebrated his three-year anniversary, received multiple raises, and moved back to the day shift, again working with concrete. Joe took a great amount of pride in the positive changes he was making in his life.

Joe is survived by his children, Dayton Joseph White, Riley Lane White, and Lucas Caden White, all of Exira; wife, Jessica White of Atlantic; parents, John White of Atlantic and Jacqueline and Kris Phippen of Exira; grandma, Denise Hildebrand and grandpa, Kenny Phippen both of Exira; and brothers, Jonathan Gersema and Tony Gersema both of Atlantic.

He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, Susie Katzer of Council Bluffs, Julie and Corey Miller of Lumberton, TX, Dan and Dorothy Cook of Atlantic, Jeff and Teresa Phippen of Centennial, CO, and Jennifer and Eric Konecne of Exira; cousins, Matt White of Le Mars, Austin Johnson of Denver, CO, Demi Hildebrand of Pueblo, CO, Ian Miller and Mikaela and Collin Argo of Nashville, TN, Mason Phippen of Centennial, CO, Paige, Chloe, and Ryker Konecne of Exira; mother to his children, Stephanie Werner; and several extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandpas, Doug White and Cleo Cook, step-grandpa, Bill Hildebrand; uncle, Doug White II; aunt, Jodi Hildebrand; and cousin, Josiah White.

Joe’s family will host a Celebration of Life service, followed by a luncheon, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 30th at the Exira Event Center.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Joe's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.