Joseph A. Lemek

Joseph A. "Joe" Lemek, 93, Rockford, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born September 26, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa; the son of Joseph and Karolina (Osikowicz) Lemek. Married Letha "Arlene" Heslop in Sioux City,Iowa on December 8, 1945. She predeceased him on December 29, 2002. Joe served in the Army during WWII with the Amphibian Engineering Corp in the Philippines, West New Guinea, and Korea. Joe worked for Cudahy Packaging in Iowa before his move to Rockford and then worked at Atwood Products as a machine operator before retiring in 1982. He is a past member of the VFW and the United Auto Workers Union. Joe was an avid sports fan and especially liked the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Bears, and the Cubs. He loved watching his sons play in Pony League Baseball and various other team sports. Joe was a friend to all animals and enjoyed gardening and watching old Western movies.Survivors include his sons, Kenneth (Joyce) of Ocala, Florida, Lonnie (Colleen) of Loves Park, Greg (Debbie) of Roscoe, and Brad of Rockford; 8 grandchildren;13 greatgrandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Arlene; his brothers, John, Frank and Ted; sisters, Helen Capers and Sister Mary Estelle.Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av., with Reverend Greg Carlson officiating. Burial in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery. Visitation from 10:00 am until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.