Of the many folks who attended the "Mazeppa Muster" back in 1999, you may have met my Uncle Joe who operated a Coffee Shop across the street from me here in Mazeppa. He has been sick for a year or more, and today he lost his battle but is in a better place. He was 66 years old and made the most of EVERY day! Quite a party animal in his younger days, he could inhale Vodka like it was water. I sure had some great laughs with Joe and he will be missed.
For those of you who met Joe at the Muster, thanks for stoppin' in and saying Hi, he loved people and now he's playing Euchre in the heavens, fightin' smartin' off and givin' people s**t like old times!
This one's for YOU JOE!
BOOKIE BOOKIE BOO!
Posted by faye welsh (Member # 2524) on :
mike, it is fiddles.. jillbeans sis. sorry about your uncle joe. i worked in a nursing home for almost 14 years. the courageous ones are the ones who suffer quietly in obscurence. i am sure he is in a better place, and he was lucky to have somebody like you , remembering hi, ..forever.take care. Posted by Kathy Joiner (Member # 1814) on :
Mike, I'm so sorry to learn of the loss of your Uncle. He sounds like quite the character. Through the years you will be amazed at how many times you will think of him, laugh, then feel blessed to have had him walk through part of your life. Been there done that!
Faye(Fiddles) you just revealed to me the kind of person you are. Not many have the love, compassion, or patience to spend 14 yrs. working in a nursing home. The "burn out" rate is high in that field!
[ August 06, 2002, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Kathy Joiner ]
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
hey mike, so sorry to hear of your uncle joe's passing. in our many phone conversations you mentioned him often. he was very lucky to have a wonderful nephew such as yourself.
when i get back to the shop i will see if i can find a pic of joe's place.
take care bubba,
mark
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Hi Mike....sorry about your Uncle Joe. It sounds like he was a special one indeed.
Posted by Santo (Member # 411) on :
Sorry to hear about your uncle, he'll be in our prayers.
Posted by Samazon (Member # 408) on :
I remember what a nice guy Uncle Joe was!
He will be missed by many.
R.I.P. Uncle Joe
- Sam
Posted by donny pavolini (Member # 2244) on :
Mike, I am deeply sorry for your loss.I too attended your meet and had the priveledge of talking to a REAL DEAL. He was candind and a little bit of a jokester. The man was definitely colourful and loveable.He made no attempts whatsoever to disguise his pride and admiration for his nephew. By the way tell Sketty hello for me. Just kidding. Your bond isn't broken as long as you remember, honor and love him as I'm sure you will.
Please extend the condolinces of the people who share this forum to your family. Tell ole' Sketty hello from the Mississippi bunch. He's a great guy. Take care of yourself. I'll see ya in September at the meet.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Sorry to hear of your loss Mike. Please except our Condolences.
[ August 06, 2002, 10:55 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
Posted by R T Thomas (Member # 355) on :
Hey Mike, Sorry to hear about your Uncle Joe. He was quite a character. I spent a little time everyday with him during the Muster. He will be missed I'm sure. Meets in Mazeppa won't be the same without Uncle Joe around. See ya, R.T.
[ August 07, 2002, 12:12 AM: Message edited by: R T Thomas ]
Posted by John Jordan (Member # 2368) on :
Hey Mike,
Paul and I just learned of your Uncle Joe's passing, please accept our condolences.
I, more than Paul, had a lot to do with Joe when I was working in your shop gilding the windows. Joe would see me put down my gear in the morning and by the time I crossed the road he had my coffee and cookie ready on the counter.
I feel privileged to have known Joe and believe that in some way a better person for it.
I am truely sorry he will not be in Mazeppa in 2005 at the next meet, but wherever he is it's got to be good to be better than Mazeppa.
Take care my friend, see you in a couple of weeks,
John
Posted by mike meyer (Member # 542) on :
Thanks for all the kind words, this is a perfect example of the way Joe was. You met him once, you got a friend for life. I am going to printout your responses and display them at the wake for people to read. The Letterhead meet in '99 here in Mazeppa was a highlight for Joe and he made some money that weekend as well.
So thanks again and now I will do my very best to send him off in style!
sincerly....
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
hey buddy, samazon sent me this pic last night of uncle joe's place many years before it became joe's place.
Posted by bronzeo (Member # 1408) on :
Mike, Joe must have left quite an impact on you as well as others. Kind of nice that he was able to leave something like that. Its sure something we all should work to achieve. Many condolences, Jack
Posted by Chris Elliott (Member # 1262) on :
Mike, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your Uncle Joe. I'm sure you'll find that the sorrow caused by his death is exceeded by the pleasure of the memories and smiles he left behind. Folks like your Uncle Joe remind all of us how important it is to live EVERY day.
Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :
I also did a little bit of there in the Coffee Shop,...... I have "one" Grain Belt left in the fridge,..when I drink it (soon) I'll be sure to hoist in a toast in honor of Uncle Joe, and all of the other great people of Mazzeppa MN !
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