Joseph Pexa Jr., 71
Joseph F. Pexa Jr., 71, of New Prague, died Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at his home.
Born in New Prague on December 20, 1939, Joe was a son of Joseph S. and Helen (Hanzlik) Pexa. He attended St. Wenceslaus School and New Prague High School. He married Lucille Myskevitz on November 4, 1961, in Chaska. Joe started farming after serving in the U.S. Navy, and after selling milk cows, in addition to farming, he worked construction. He loved his grandchildren, loved to fish, and dance. He liked playing cards and going to the casino. He also liked to travel and just loved to spend time with friends and family, especially at the bakery. Joe served on the Helena Township Board for 34 years and was a 4th Degree member and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Rural Fire Board and the K of C Building Commission.
He is survived by five children Scott Pexa, New Prague, Christine Jirik, Montgomery, Laura Stenson, Carver, Jon (Tammara) Pexa, New Prague, and Michael (Katie) Pexa, New Prague; 16 grandchildren; his father; siblings Thomas (Margie) Pexa, New Prague and Gail (Keith) Setterstrom, Northfield.
He was preceded in death by his wife on February 19, 1999; a son Mark Joseph Pexa in infancy; his mother; and a brother Donald Pexa.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 25, at 10 a.m., at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, with Rev. Kevin Clinton, Rev. William Paron and Deacon Len Shambour officiating.
Interment will be at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in New Prague, with military honors to be conducted. Pallbearers will be Craig Pexa, Tom Pexa Jr., Jeff Hoxie, Phillip Pexa, Joe Jirik and Ben Jirik. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Jirik and Larry Entinger.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.
