We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing! I lost track of my friend! We enjoyed golf & travel to Las Vegas! He was a great friend & coworker at the Iowa City VAMC! I am sorry for his close friend Mary Soucek! We spent a few dinners together in Iowa City & Coralvile with Joe & Mary! We will miss him! I loved to talk politics & current events with him! I know the IowaCity AA will miss him!

Charles & Cindy Major

So sorry to hear of "Karate Joe's" passing. We were close Binghamton High School partners in crime. He was a true character. Joe's dad was a fireman who had to work overnight shifts on the weekends. Guess where we hung out. We shared a million laughs over the years .I sold Joe my bar in about 1981 and kind of lost track of him for decades just reuniting a couple of years ago. We talked, reminised and belly laughed for several hours. He had a good heart. I will look for you in my dreams Joe. Your pal , Bud Baxter

Mary,

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Joes passing. He was a wonderful "sponsor" and he will be greatly missed by many at Melrose. With the pandemic we were not even aware he was sick. Our prayers and sympathy to the lives he touched. He was a very special person.

Dave & Denise Albert

Marengo, Iowa

Doug I was so sorry to read that Joe had cancer and has died. You have my deepest sympathy. . I know you two were good friends. I haven’t seen Joe in decades but I remember he was quite a character. I remember he was quite passionate about golf - even finding a way to practice in the winter.

May he rest in peace. And may you find comfort in memories of him. Kathleen C (friend of Bill W)

I am so very sorry to learn of the death of Joe, I knew him when I too was employed at the VA Medical Center, he was always very helpful with any requests. my fondest memories of Joe also include my dear friend Mary Soucek, they were a very amazing pair and such fun to be around, I truly share the sorrow with Mary as she will miss her long time friend and buddy.

Mary please know you are not alone, love to you always, Annie Pistole

I barely knew Joe, having seen him only twice before the pandemic hit. Both times he was at Mary Soucek’s house. He was soft spoken and had a nice smile. They were an unofficial married couple, committed to each other for 25 years, having their nightly talks , weekly restaurant dinners, and dinners at her house. He would grill or she would make something he loved like eggplant Parmesan.

Mary,

I am so very sorry for your loss of Joe. It’s great your friendship lasted for so many years. I’m so sorry I’m not closer to help you through this sadness. And always remember this loss is bitter sweet…..sad for you and such a blessing he no longer has to suffer.

You have several good friends there and know I’m always here for you (my sister from another mother).

Love,

Julie

Mary, we were saddened to hear of Joe's passing. I really enjoyed working with him at the VA and then later when you both came in for dinner at Midtown. Please take care and may he rest in peace.