Joseph Watka Obituary

The following is the eulogy I gave at Joe Watka's funeral:

Hello, my name is Mike Hartman.

Joe Watka, or as I called him, my “Uncle Joe” was a kind and thoughtful man. He was always dressed very dapper, had a great sense of humor and treated everyone with respect. He was my Godfather and I was his Godson and he never let me forget it.

He loved his church and was proud of being an usher here for over 20 years. When the love of his life, his wife Elizabeth passed away, there’s no doubt a large void was created in his life. When I would speak with him I’d ask “How’s thing’s going Uncle Joe” and he would reply…“Oh just keeping along with the program”. We’d get together quite often to talk about anything & everything. We would go out for some great meals at some of his favorite restaurants and occasionally even take on a game of chance at the casino. I never heard him raise his voice or have a bad word to say about anyone. He was truly a gentleman.

He enjoyed his friendships, he enjoyed his trips to Minnesota, Mader’s, the Brauhouse, Berghoff’s, The Botanical Gardens, the Art Institute and he enjoyed the Holidays, and I can assure you that he made Christmas special for everyone in my family for many many years.

Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he still kept his faith and his sense of humor. When we hired Valentina to give him 24 hour care in his home, we brought her in to meet with Joe who was lying in bed and looking very tired and sick. . And I said, “Uncle Joe, what would you like Valentina to call you…Joe, Joseph, Mr. Watka, what should she call you?” Well, Joe looked up from his bed at Valentina, gave her a little smile and said “Handsome”.

Joe…we miss you already.

From the days of bringing the kids candy (chewy sliver dollars or anything else sure to give you cavities), to dressing up as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve delivering presents and telling us how the reindeer are doing, to his "famous" saying during a LCR game that made us chuckle (I got two, I roll two) Joe will be missed for those moments in our lives.

Our sincere sympathy,
Don and Marian,
and the entire Bennett Family of Owensboro, Kentucky

Our prayers and sympathy go out to Joe's family. Uncle Joe was always such a pleasant, courteous gentleman. We will miss seeing Joe at the family gatherings, especially at the LCR table!

I will always treasure the kind words you spoke and your friendly smile and the gentlemen that you were respectful wise caring and fun
you will be missed right on .......
Gregory

To family and friends of Joe Watka please accept our sympathies. We have fond memories of happy times shared with Joe.
Joe is in our prayers.

Our condolences to the family.Joe will be missed.We always had a great time with him.He was a great man and we will never forget the times that were shared.Rest in peace Joe and thanks for being a friend!

Stanley W. & Alda I. Rebmann

Mike and Janis, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Uncle Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.