Joseph Chihak

Joseph Chihak, age 84, of Elma, IA, died on Wedenesday, November 2, 2011 at Regional Health Services in Cresco, IA. Joseph Charles Chihak was born on April 12, 1927 to Joseph and Rose (Praska) Chihak in Lourdes, Iowa. He attended country school, Lourdes Catholic School, and went on to graduate from Immaculate Conception Academy in Elma in 1945. After his schooling he began his lifelong farming career on a farm near Lourdes, IA, where he lived until he passed. He entered the US Army on Feb 10, 1953 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in Feb 1955. While in the Army he was selected for and participated in Guided Missile Training School. On September 20, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marlene Ann Meyer at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, IA. Following the marriage the couple farmed near Lourdes, IA and Joseph ran a mechanics shop, “Chihak Garage” with his father. After 12 years of marriage the couple was finally blessed with six children. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, taxidermy, gardening, watching all sports, dancing, playing euchre, loved animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc), and spending time with family. He had the gift of gab, and loved telling stories with the ultimate goal to make everyone laugh. You could always get a good laugh out of him. His greatest joy was spending time with his six children, seven grandchildren and his oversized Chihuahua, Chico. Joe brought immense joy to his family. His character, humor and selflessness could not be matched. Joseph is survived by his children, Tim Chihak of Cresco, IA, Jean (Nick Miller) Chihak of Winterset, IA, Barb (Shawn) Ollendieck of Bettendorf, IA, Tom Chihak of Lourdes, Teresa (Scott) Stevenson of Elma, Todd Chihak of Jerico, IA; seven grandchildren, Alexa Chihak, Taylor and Zachary Schlatter, Dylan and Ethan Ollendieck and Joey and Brady Stevenson; his brother, Robert (Eileen) Chihak of Lourdes; his sister, Mary Valvoda of Lourdes; his sisters-in-law Carol DeVoe of Oelwein, IA, Shirley Chihak of Atkins, IA and Kathy Meyer of Spillville, IA. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Marlene in 2002; his brother, Paul; his brothers-in-law, Raymond Valvoda, Lewis Meyer and Mike Meyer and his sister-in-law, Dawn Van Scayoc. Our Dad. Our Grandpa. Our Teacher. Our Friend. We will miss you!! Cemetery: Burial will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Lourdes. Military rites provided by Elma American Legion John Frahm Post # 597. Memorials may be directed to the family. with a 4:30pm rosary and a 6:00pm scriptural wake service at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, IA with Father Ray Atwood celebrating.