Burdette "Lew" Joesten

Burdette Lee Joesten, age 89, of Wilmington, North Carolina, formerly of Bridgewater, NJ passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at his home in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elizabeth Lynn Joesten, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Rockford, IL he was a son of the late Andrew Ailt Joesten and the late Elsie Schmidt Joesten.

Burdette graduated from Beloit College in 1959 and obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of Illinois in 1966.

He worked as a research scientist for Union Carbide and later Mobile Chemical in New Jersey.

He was known for his calm and cheerful demeanor, meticulous record keeping, and his love of United States and world history and our military. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, playing golf with Lynn, and after Penn State football victories.

In addition to his wife, Lynn, he is survived by his brother, Leroy Joesten (wife, Carolyn Joesten); sons, Brian Wade Joesten (wife, Mary Joesten), Eric Drew Joesten (wife, Cynthia Joesten); granddaughters, Camille Elizabeth Joesten, and Kaylyn May Joesten; and grandsons, Eric William Joesten and Kyle Newton Joesten.

Services and interment in Greenville, DE will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hillsdale College www.hillsdale.edu/support-hillsdale-college.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, PA. To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com