Joachim G. Luhrs, 47, of Hopewell Junction, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2009 at his home with his family by his side after a long, painful battle with cancer.

He was born on March 29, 1962 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Gunther H. and Helga W. Luhrs.  His family moved to Fishkill in 1963 and to Hopewell Junction in 1966.

On January 9, 1982, Joachim married Bonnie Jean Jackson.  His beloved and devoted wife Bonnie survives at home.  He is also survived by his parents; his three sons, Steven Gunter and his friend, Jen of Esopus, Brian Thomas and Mitchell John who live at home; his brother, Michael Kurt of Lagrangeville; his sister, Christine Margaret Gill, her husband, Shane Vernon and their son, Corey Michael of Hopewell Junction. He is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews from the United States and Germany.

Joachim graduated from John Jay High School in 1980 and from the Diesel Mechanics College of Denver, CO. He was a member of IUEC Local #138 Elevator Construction Union.  He worked for Dover Elevator then Thyssen-Krupp Elevator for 25 years. He was a senior mechanic, teacher and supervisor.

Joachim loved the outdoors, especially hunting in Wyoming, fishing in Canada and gardening at home. Most of all, he loved to work on cars, regular, vintage or racing cars, with his sons. His pride was the post and beam barn which he designed and built with the help of his family and close friends.  A few times, Joachim, his son Steven and his brother Michael went cross country to many states as part of the Hot Rod Power Tour.  He was also a member of the Whortlekill Rod & Gun Club of Hopewell Junction for 14 years and a member of the Hopewell Reformed Church.

Callings hours will be held on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  A service will be held at 7 p.m. with Rev. Taylor Holbrook officiating.