Joe Kloke, 89, passed away Dec. 10, 2023, in hospice care at Dunklau Gardens, Fremont. Joe was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born May 8,1934 in Pierce to Carl and Sadie (Jones) Kloke, Joe grew up on the family farm outside of Madison. There he learned a strong work ethic that he displayed the rest of his life. He graduated from Madison High School in 1952, where he was a three-sport athlete. Joe was offered a football scholarship to Norfolk Junior College, but instead chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1952-1956.
Although part of his service occurred during the Korean War, Joe always said he felt safer as a sailor than he would have as a soldier on the ground because the ship had bigger guns. He trained as a Machinist’s Mate and maintained and repaired the ship’s propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment.
After his military discharge, he returned to Madison where he farmed and worked as a welder. He married Nancy Jo Staudenmaier on June 11, 1957, in Madison. They moved to Fremont in 1958. He began a long career with Hormel Foods, where he was responsible for maintenance of the hog skinning machines. Joe possessed a mechanical genius, and his knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics was extraordinary. He could fix anything, whether at work or around the house.
After his retirement from Hormel, Joe worked in maintenance at Shalimar Gardens and as a custodian for Fremont Public Schools.
Joe was in the Navy Reserve for 27 years in Fremont and Omaha, where he taught classes on Navy traditions. He was an avid coin collector and a member of the Fremont Coin Club for many years. Joe was a Husker fan and enjoyed attending the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joe was a true patriot, proud of his country and the American flag. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and spent much of his time reading and listening to the Bible. Joe loved talking and joking around with people; he never met a stranger. Most of all, he loved his family, to whom he modeled the values of faith, hard work, and optimism.
Joe was preceded in passing by his parents, and four siblings: Cecilia Swircek, Celestine Bartak, Edward Kloke, and Eugene Kloke. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy; children: Kim (Lyle) Zach, of Elkhorn, Kristi Walter of Fremont, Kara (John) Edwards of Fremont, and Joel (Erin) Kloke of Bennington; six grandchildren: Tyler (Lindsey) Zach, Ashley (Jack) Sherwood, Kelsey (Nick) Sevening, Hunter Edwards, Kayna Kloke, and Kyleb Kloke; eight great-grandchildren: Zane and Ezekiel Zach; Cruz, Eleanor, and Rome Sevening, and IJ, August, and Townsend Sherwood.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at the Evangelical Free Church in Fremont. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m., prior to an 11 a.m. service.
Joe donated his body to the Nebraska Anatomical Board UNMC for the benefit of medical study. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for future designation.
