Joseph J. Ostrokol

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or his church, Edge Park UMC.

Joe was born on Christmas Day, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to his parents, William and Michaeline Ostrokol. He attended Bowen High School in South Chicago and served as Altar Boy for St. Mary Magdalene Church also located in South Chicago.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army under the direction of General Patton during World War II as a Staff Sergeant of the 24th Tank Battalion, 13th Armored “Black Cat” Division. In appreciation of his service, Joe was sponsored to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on May 9, 2012. On D-Day 2014, the French Consulate presented Joe with the Medal of Honor from the Republic of France for his assistance in the liberation of France during WWII.

Prior to leaving for Normandy, Joe fell in love and married Nurse Cadet Onie Mae Moss of Weatherford, TX. They were married 56 years. Joe worked in the glass industry in Fort Worth for 43 years prior to his retirement in 1989. Joe and Onie Mae loved to travel and were very active in the United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Onie Mae Ostrokol, his parents and his five siblings.

Joe is survived by his fiancé of 12 years, Helen Bassham; son, John Ostrokol (Theresa); daughter, Carol Beckham; grandchildren Brandy Hanson, Michael Ostrokol, Dustin Beckham, and Matthew Ostrokol; seven great grandchildren and three beloved pets.