Joseph “Joe”, or better known as “Fitz” passed away peacefully Sunday, June 16, 2024 comfortably at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 410 North Broadway, Manly, IA. Inurnment will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, beside his son, Lucas.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring Street, Manly, IA. A Scriptural Wake Service will begin at 7:00pm.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials may be directed in care of Joe’s family.
Joseph Robert “Joe” was born May 2, 1956 in Emmetsburg, IA the son of Eugene Joseph and Josephine “Dode” (Kliegl) Fitzgerald. The second youngest of nine siblings, Joe, or more well known as “Fitz” graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1975. He was a talented athlete, especially in football and basketball. Following graduation, Joe began his work on the railroad with the Rock Island, later moving to the Milwaukee Rail Road in Mason City. In September 1983 he married Tami Wenner in Mankato, MN. Though the couple later divorced, they were blessed with two children: Lucas and Lindsay. Through his time on the railroad, Joe passed through Manly countless times, eventually making it his home in the early 2000’s. His passion became lawn care and snow removal, serving the Manly and surrounding community for many years. He had a keen eye, and enjoyed his daily trips around town to check his work.
Joe was known as “Dead Eye Joe” out in the fields hunting for deer and pheasant. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed any time he was able to be out. His kind and helpful nature was well known. He would lend a helping hand to anyone and truly mean it. His green Irish blood ran deep and he never hesitated to share his heritage. He was grateful to have many cherished friends, many who were practically family. Because, above all else, Joe loved his family and cherished companions. His best four legged friends, Bubba and Bo were constantly at his side. Joe looked forward to time spent with his children, and especially looked forward to fishing with the grandson, Brody. His greatest joy in life was being a dad and grandpa, he wouldn’t have traded it for the world.
Surviving are his daughter, Lindsay Fitzgerald of Florida; Jessica (Kolan) Dolph of St. Ansgar and her children, Caden, Brody, Adaline and Lane; cherished longtime friend, Bette Manning of Manly and her children, Lisa (Fred) Van Perre and Tracy (Kai) Smed and grandchildren, Vera and Vinny; siblings, John (Mary) Fitzgerald of Montezuma, IA, Ann (Ray) Goddard of Waterloo, and Eugene Fitzgerald of Emmetsburg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many cherished friends.
Preceding him in death are his son, Lucas; parents, Eugene and Dode Fitzgerald; and siblings, Ellen (Kenny) Tope, Margaret (Glen) Austin, Mary Paine, David Fitzgerald and infant sister, Elizabeth Jean Fitzgerald.
colonialchapels.com
