James J. “Joe” Bamrick, 98, of Rockwell passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 after a brief illness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 305 Elm St E, Rockwell, IA with Reverend Josh Link, Celebrant. Inurnment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Rockwell privately.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, 305 Elm St E, Rockwell, IA.
Memorials may be directed to the family to be gifted in his name.
James Joseph was born March 22, 1925 in rural Cerro Gordo County, the son of James M. and Bridget D. (Gallagher) Bamrick. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Rockwell, graduating in 1943. He soon began his service in the United States Merchant Marines, serving on a tanker in WWII. Joe came back home to Iowa and began his career tending the land. His military career would continue in the Korean War where he served in the US Army. On October 28, 1950 he married the love of his life, Regina Madden at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. The couple was blessed with six children: Shae, Denise, Colleen, Patrick, David and Maureen. Up until a few years ago, Joe was still riding in the combine and watching over the farm’s progress.
Joe was an extraordinary man who lived his life with passion and purpose. He wore many hats in his community, and his commitment to service was truly remarkable. His strong ties to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Rockwell American Legion, and the Sacred Heart Catholic School Board reflected his unwavering dedication to faith and community. Joe also lent his expertise to the Cerro Gordo Mutual Insurance Board for many years. Beyond his civic duties, he was a skilled farmer, cultivating the earth with a deep-rooted love for the land and his farm. His love for long Sunday drives, always leading to the finest ice cream shops, reflected his spontaneous spirit and love for adventure. He viewed the world like an open book, with the Atlas as his guide to uncovering hidden treasures and uncharted paths. Joe held an insatiable love for life’s sweet pleasures, with a particular fondness for popcorn, hot fudge sundaes, peanut brittle, and divinity. But, what shone most brightly was his childlike wonder and the special connection he had with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe had an unparalleled gift for teasing and playing jokes, leaving behind cherished memories of laughter and love. Yet, amidst his many roles, it was the role of a loving husband, father, and grandfather that truly defined him. Joe’s legacy is one of selflessness, humble devotion, and a genuine zest for life.
Those left to continue his story are his beloved wife of 73 years, Jean; children, Shae (Bill) Mahlstadt of Mission Viejo, CA, Denise Bamrick of Huntington Beach, CA, Colleen (Rick) Pearce of Rockwell, Patrick (Julie) Bamrick of Lawton, David Bamrick of Rockwell, and Maureen (Kevin) Burtness of Clear Lake; 14 Grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Margie Nowell; sister-in-law, Eunice Bamrick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Preceding him in death are his parents, James M. and Bridget D. Bamrick; siblings, Martin (Nancy) Bamrick, Mary L. (Bob) Skyles, Dr. John Bamrick, Richard (Pat) Bamrick, Helen (Dr. Joe) Kapler, Bridget “Roseanne” Sohl, and Paul (Sharon) Bamrick; brother-in-law, Jim Nowell.
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