Obit: Pletka, Joseph Sr. (1916 - 2010) 
 

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Pletka, Trubac, Mendalski, Beaufeaux, Horounziak, Lange, Apfelbeck  
 

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) May 19, 2010 
 

Pletka, Joseph Sr. (17 January 1916 - 14 May 2010) 
 

Joseph Pletka, Sr., age 94, of Thorp passed away on Friday May 14, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. 
 

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp with Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiating.  Burial followed in St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers were: Grandsons - Charles, Douglas and Clinton Beaufeaux; son-in-law Kevin Beaufeaux; nephew - Roy Mendalski, and dear friend and neighbor - Bernell Lange.  Visitation was held on Monday May 17, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Thorp Funeral Home with a 7:00 p.m. rosary.  Visitation was also held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. 
 

Joseph Pletka was born on January 17, 1916, in Chicago, IL to John and Mary (Trubac) Pletka. Joseph’s family moved to the Thorp area when he was two years old.  He later received his education at the Riverhead School.  After completing his education, Joe worked for the Civilian Conservation Corp in Tomahawk and later at a lumber camp in Park Falls.  He was united in marriage to Berniece Mendalski in Thorp, WI.  Joe worked for the Blue Moon Cheese Factory for 26 years and later owned and operated Shady Oaks Salvage Yard until his retirement June 1979.  Joe then moved to the City of Thorp where he resided until his death. 
 

Joe had many interests, but he really enjoyed listening and dancing to old time polka music, working on cars, hunting, fishing, and watching Jeopardy and Family Feud on TV.  He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church for many years. 
 

He is survived by his wife Berniece Pletka of Thorp; one daughter, Jo Ann (Kevin ) Beaufeaux of Cadott; one son, Joseph Pletka, Jr. of Thorp; five grandchildren: Rebecca, Kate, Charles, Douglas, and Clinton; one great-granddaughter, Kelsey Rochell; one brother, Charles Pletka of Gassville, AR; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.   
 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John Pletka, Jr.; and one sister, Mary Horounziak. 
 

Online condolences may be directed to www.cuddiefh.com. 
 

Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.