Joseph C. Meoska

 Joseph C.Joe Meoska, age 85, died peacefully on Monday, February 4, 2013. He was born on October 1, 1927, in Potosi, WI, to Albert and Leona (nee Ulbrich) Meoska.

Joe graduated from Bloomington High School in 1944 and spent his life farming in the area. In 1958, he received the Grant County Outstanding Young Farmer Award. He was an active member of Saint Marys Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society of the parish, and the Southwest Vocations Club. With his wife, Hazel, he was involved in the Blakes Prairie 4-H Club as club and project leader. For many years he was a board member of the Blakes Prairie Fair Association. In 1967, Joe was selected to participate in a United Nations People-to-People tour to the Ukraine, Russia and several European nations; and the tour was one of his favorite memories.

Joe also had special interest in and dedication to the missionary efforts of Fr. Paul Fagan in Tanzania, collecting clothing, medical equipment and other supplies for many years. In his retirement, he continued his lifelong interest in woodworking, building and repairing furniture for family and friends. He also enjoyed volunteering at the local food pantry.

Joe is deeply loved and will be missed by his wife of 65 years, Hazel (nee Morovits), to whom he was united in marriage on February 7, 1948, at Saint Marys Catholic Church, Bloomington; by his children, David (Ione) Meoska, of Bagley, Tom Meoska, of Hillpoint, Janet (Dan) Joyce, of Mazomanie, Fr. John Meoska OSB, Collegeville, MN, and Kathy (Noel) Stanton, of Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michelle (Tom) McGlynn, Nicole (Joe) Hechimovich, Dyan (Dan) McLaughlin, Charlie (Brittany) Meoska, Patty Meoska, Dave (Amber) Joyce, Jenny (Mike) Smith, and Matt (Amy Wanek) Joyce; his great grandchildren: Jacob McGlynn; Lauren, Jerry and Riley McLaughlin; Gordon Van Kleek; Lincoln and Arabella Smith; and August Joyce; his step-brother, John (Catherine) Schmit and step-sister, Clara (Dick) Weir; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Leona (Schmit) Meoska, his step-father, Edward Schmit, his sister Ernestine Walsh; and his step-sisters Margaret, Genevieve and Bernadette Schmit, and Elsie Kranik; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meoska as the celebrant and Father John Meinholz as principle concelebrant. Burial was in St. Marys Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation was held on Friday, February 8, 2013, from 4 8 PM at St. Marys Catholic Church, 535 Congress Street, Bloomington; with a Scripture Service at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends also called on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family will donate memorials given in Joes name to his favorite charities. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.