Feb. 18, 1918 - Aug. 11, 2011
MISHAWAKA - Joseph S. Oklak, 93, of Brookville, Ohio, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away at 8:01 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011, in Brookhaven Retirement Community. Joseph was born on February 18, 1918, in Mayville, Wisconsin, to Steve and Janja (Vookson) Oklak. He was a World War II Army-Air Force veteran, who received the Purple Heart and was a P.O.W. in Germany from April 1944 to May 1945. He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Serbian Orthodox Church, D.A.V #6, V.F.W. #360 and American Legion #161. On April 25, 1943, in South Bend, he married the former Goldie Leiter. She died on April 20, 1989. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Lenore Peer, grandson, Todd Peer, and four brothers and sisters. Surviving are three sons, Steve Oklak of Dayton, OH, Mark (Donna) Oklak and Dennis (Donna) Oklak, both of Indianapolis; a son-in-law, Herb Peer of Dayton, OH; six grandchildren, Jennifer Oklak, Heather (Steve) Logsdon, Andy Oklak, Abbey Oklak, Kristen (Shawn) McDowell and Aaron (Shannon) Peer; and 10 great-grandchildren, Annalise Logsdon, Connor McDowell, Lauren McDowell, Jillian McDowell, Caleb Peer, Josiah Peer, Rachel Peer, Sarah Peer, Jada Peer and Alexander Peer.
Papa Joe was one of the most generous men I knew. He gave to his country, gave to his friends, and gave to his family. He was a quiet man - he would do anything for you. He was faithful to his family.
He was filled with stories from his colorful past. He was a lover of Notre Dame football.
He was kind and sacrificial ... he saved his whole life to provide a better future for his kids and grandkids.
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