Joseph Absec

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Joseph “Joe” Peter Absec, 87, of Kellogg Idaho, passed away August 22, 2014 at Kootenai Health of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was born March 17, 1927 in Crested Butte, Colorado; Joe was the son of Martin and Theresa (Plut) Absec.

Joe has lived in the Silver Valley all of his life. He attended and graduated from the Kellogg High School in 1945. After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy during WW II, Joe then attended the Kinman Business College of Spokane.

Joe married Barbara Rinaldi on July 31, 1954 at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg; Joe and Barbara just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Joe had served as a driver/salesman for Panhandle Distributing, delivering Olympia beer for thirty-three years; he was affectionately known as “Oly Joe”. He retired in July of 1988.

Joe was a member of the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg, a member of the Kellogg Rotary, a member of the Kellogg Elks #1841 and bowled in the Kellogg Men’s Bowling League. He had also coached and umpired Kellogg Little League baseball. Joe, for many years, had also helped with the Senior Meals On Wheels program.

Joe loved and enjoyed his family, spending time at the family Coeur d’ Alene Lake property, teaching his children and grandchildren to swim, fishing, traveling, baseball and watching and participating in sports. Joe also enjoyed the “occasional” trip to the Coeur d’ Alene Casino.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Absec of the family home of Kellogg; four children Terry (Kate) Absec of Kellogg, Mark (Cindy) Absec of Kellogg, Kent (Patty) Absec of Meridian, Idaho and Kelli (Tim) Hibdon of Athol, Idaho; nine grandchildren; two brothers Martin Absec of Spokane, Washington and Edward Absec of Post Falls, Idaho; two sisters Elsie Rinaldi of Spokane, Washington and Molly Wells of Eureka, California; Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Vigil Rosary services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg and the Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August, 29, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Rita’s with Father Tom Loucks serving as Celebrant. Interment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery of Kellogg. A reception/luncheon will be held at the Church Fellowship Hall following services.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg or to the charity of the Donor’s choice.

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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