Joe Kloke, 89, passed away Dec. 10, 2023, in hospice care at Dunklau Gardens, Fremont, Neb. Joe was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born May 8,1934 in Pierce, Neb., to Carl and Sadie (Jones) Kloke, Joe grew up on the family farm outside of Madison, Neb. There he learned a strong work ethic that he displayed the rest of his life. He graduated from Madison High School in 1952, where he was a three-sport athlete. Joe was offered a football scholarship to Norfolk Junior College, but instead chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving from 19521956.
Although part of his service occurred during the Korean War, Joe always said he felt safer as a sailor than he would have as a soldier on the ground because the ship had bigger guns. He trained as a Machinist's Mate and maintained and repaired the ship's propulsion machinery and auxiliary equipment.
