Joe Karwatka

It is with great sadness and love that we share the peaceful passing of Joe Karwatka on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Ocala, Florida surrounded by family. He fought a brave battle with several cancers over the decades with positivity, grace, and humor. Joe faced every day with strength and optimism even on the most difficult days.

Joe is the beloved husband of Nancy (Cress) Karwatka, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. He was the devoted father to Michael (Amy) Karwatka, and Laura (Roberto) Barcena, and proud grandpa to Emily (Paul) Mirabile, Travis (Mya) Karwatka, Nathan Karwatka, Anabel Barcena, and Ellie Barcena, and his great grandchildren, Sallie and Landon Mirabile. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Carole) Karwatka, sister Betty (Bob) Hildebranski, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Wendy and Mark Snider along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Joseph Karwatka and Aunie (Maki) Karwatka. Joe grew up in Lansing, Illinois, a small, idyllic town south of Chicago, in a home built by his dad. Joe met Nancy, the love of his life, during his freshman year of high school.

Joe proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years. His military career began as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division achieving the status of Master Rated Jumpmaster. He served in the medical service corps spending his entire career protecting the Army’s soldiers. Joe’s military career sent he and his family across the United States, Japan, and Germany igniting his love of travel. Over the years, Joe traveled this world with his forever travel companion Nancy adventuring across six of the seven continents.

Joe was a man of many interests and hobbies – juggling, magic, woodworking, camping, grilling, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Joe volunteered in his community throughout his life in a variety of ways and had a passion for serving the youth and his church. He was a great storyteller and always ready to share a joke with anyone and everyone he came across. A sense of humor was at the core of who Joe was. Long before “dad jokes” had a name, he was delivering them with pride, sharing light-hearted medical jokes with his doctors and nurses, and sending his granddaughters a daily joke that became a cherished ritual. Making people laugh wasn’t just something he did – it was part of who he was. He was a forever learner and encouraged those around him to reach their full potential.

His legacy, love of family, joy for life, and humor will live on in his family and friends. Services will be held in Ocala, Florida and Bel Air, Maryland. Information for both will be shared later. In memory of Joe Karwatka, contributions may be made to UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.