Joseph A. "Texas Joe" Stesiak, 75, formerly of Rochester, passed at 7:34 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 at Chase Center.

On Jan. 2, 1943, Joe was born in LaPorte to Anthony Frank and Virginia Griffin Stesiak. Growing up he shared his childhood with his sister Cindy.

As a young man Joe answered the call of patriotism. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1964.

Joe married Sally Teets in 1965. He later married Marcia Ellen Christopherson, in 1994. They both preceded him in death. In recent years, Joe shared his life with his companion Loretta Conrad.

With a career in sales, Joe specialized in the areas of safety and refining products. He was the former commander of the Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1343 of Rochester.

Left to cherish Joe's memory are his companion, Loretta Conrad; a sister, Cindy (Bill) Graves of South Bend; three sons: Jeff (Pam) Stesiak of Granger, Tony (Stacy) Stesiak of Rochester, and Mike (Michelle) Stesiak of Granger; seven grandchildren: Brandon, Haley, Riley, Regan, Keaton, Trey and Quin; and a niece and several nephews and cousins.

Preceding Joe in death are his parents, wives Marcia and Sally, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 from 3-5 p.m. in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. His funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. Father Michael McKinney will officiate.

Following his service, military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans' Honor Guard, the U.S. Army Honors Team and the Indiana Patriot Guard.

Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.