Joseph C. “Joe” Strzelecki, age 95, of Marion, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, May 4, 2011, at the Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky following an extended illness.
On February 2, 1916, Joseph was born in Toledo, Ohio, the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Walsh) Strzelecki.
While growing up, he developed a love for baseball as a ball boy for the Toledo Mud Hens.
After working several years with CCC Construction, Joseph chose to enlist in the U.S. Army to help his fellow countrymen in the fight of World War II. He served as a Rifleman with Company “F” in the 326th Glider Infantry in the invasion of Normandy, and earned a purple heart for his bravery in battle.
Just before going to war, Joseph married his loving wife, Dorothy McPeek Strzelecki, on New Year’s Eve of 1941, getting married just as the new year began. Together they have shared over sixty-nine wonderful years of marriage.
Upon his honorable discharge, Joe and Dorothy moved to Marion, Ohio, where he found work at the Morral Brick Plant, where he ran drag lines. And lastly, he worked in the maintenance department at the Ohio American Water Company for over 30 years until his retirement. For each company, he was a very dedicated and hard worker.
With a love for the outdoors, Joe enjoyed fishing just about anywhere…because “he just liked to fish” and he “really didn’t even care if he caught anything.” He also loved gardening, and “every year” he took pride in growing the most “beautiful garden.”
A simple man, Joe could be best described as “laid back” and “happy with anything,” and he made it a point to let everyone know he appreciated anything anyone ever did for him.
A proud grandfather, Joe loved watching his grandson’s do anything, and most especially play baseball. He had a special relationship with both of his grandsons and they will forever cherish the time he spent with them.
Joe will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Dorothy Strzelecki of the Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky; his son and daughter-in-law, Marti and Linda Strzelecki; two grandsons: Kyle (Alicia) Strzelecki, and Andrew “A.J.” Strzelecki, all of Marion.
Including his parents, Joe was preceded in death by two brothers: Casper and Charlie Strzelecki; and a sister, Frances Strzelecki.
The Strzelecki family will observe services privately at the graveside in Grand Prairie Cemetery with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council, and with Rev. Daniel Kiger Officiating.
The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Joe’s family.
Rather than flowers, his family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross, c/o Marion Chapter, 1849 Summerset Dr., Marion, Ohio 43302.
For those wishing to express their private condolences to Joe’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuenralhomes.com.
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