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Obituary for Joseph "Joe" K. Stanek
Joseph "Joe" K. Stanek Feb. 15, 1926 - May 31, 2010 Joseph "Joe" K. Stanek passed away at his home in Harbor on Monday, May 31, 2010. He was 84. Joe was born February 15, 1926 in Montgomery, MN to Joseph and Amy (Keene) Stanek. He grew up there until joining the US Army during WWII where he served briefly in the horse cavalry until it disbanded and then later in the infantry. After receiving an honorably discharge, Joe returned to Minnesota where he and two friends made the decision to come west. They first came to Newport, OR and then to Portland but could not find work. Joe then moved to Denver and began a career as a truck driver. He later moved to Santa Maria, CA where he would live for 20 years before retiring to Brookings in 1993. He married Phyllis Waltermire in Lake Tahoe, CA on July 15, 1993. They enjoyed traveling together and were members of an RV club. Joe also enjoyed fishing and was a skilled craftsman. He was a member of the Crescent City Elks Lodge #1689. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Harbor, son, Kenneth Stanek of Santa Maria, CA, granddaughter, Kendra and great grandchildren, Jaden and Presley, sisters, Margaret Bock of Morristown, MN and Evelyn Rucks of Lakewood, CA. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marian, brothers, George Stanek and Lowell Stanek and a sister, Marion McNeese. At his request no public ceremony will be held. Burial at sea will be accomplished by the US Coast Guard.
