and early in his working years he was employed by area farmers. He also worked for the grain company in Foster.
On April 17, 1941, he was married to Wanda Sporleder, and they lived briefly in California where he worked in the orange groves.
Joseph served in the United States Army during the WW II years of 1941 to 1946. He saw duty in Germany and Czechoslovakia. Following his discharge, he returned to Foster where he and his wife began to raise their family. They moved to Mead, Nebraska in 1950 where he worked at the Mead Ordnance Plant. In 1955, they moved to Fremont. He then worked in construction for Lueder's Construction Co. of Omaha. Later he became a partner in the M&M Service Station located north of Fremont on Highway 77, working there until retiring.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served as an Elder, as well as serving on many of the church committees. He was a Past Commander of VFW Post 854, and he enjoyed golfing and fishing.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Wanda in July of 1972, by a daughter Judy, a son-in-law David Hinken, and his brothers and sisters.
Survivors: son - Darrell and wife Faye Story of Ames, NE
3 daughters - Anita and husband Ron Werth of Las Vegas, Nevada
Donna Hinken of Fremont
Cynthia and husband Mervin Heiden of Fremont
14 grandchildren
19 great grandchildren
The funeral service will be 1 PM Thursday (Dec. 1st) at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dan Heuer officiating. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854.
Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran School.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, will be on Wednesday from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
online guestbook @ www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
S.E. Smith and Sons
Blair, NE Wednesday, November 30, 2011 We are very sorry for your loss. We will be thinking and praying for the family.Dorothy (Ristow) Schutte
Beemer, NE Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Dear Story Family, I had often wondered where Mike was. Had I missed an obit? You have my deepest sympathy. Mike and I worked at the Reikofski Grain for years. He was a truck driver hauling grain from farmers or out to feeders. Altho I have never met any of you, his offspring, I know you had wonderful parents. May God keep you in His loving care and looking forward to the time you can join your parents in the heavenly realm. Lovingly, Mrs.Donald (Dorothy Ristow) Schutte P.S. My mother was Rose Reikofski if that means anything to you.Jennifer Bell
Fremont, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 Donna and family...I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!David Hopper
Papillion, NE Monday, November 28, 2011 Thank you for serving this nation. I appreciate the sacrifice you and your family endured. May you rest in peace with the King of kings.Dick and Sharon Zahm
Omaha, NE Saturday, November 26, 2011 Out deepest sympathy in the loss of your Dad. He was a great Dad, and always the hardest worker ever. We mourn for all of the family, and pray for your comfort and strength. And we rejoice in his homecoming to loved ones gone before, and being now with God. Our Love, Dick and Sharon Zahm and family.