Joseph “Joe” Edward Bouska, a Charles City man remembered for his deep Catholic faith, years of farming, sense of humor and love for life’s simple pleasures, has died at the age of 90.
Bouska passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3, 2026, at 9th Street Chautauqua in Charles City.
He was born Jan. 23, 1936, in Waucoma to Julius “Mike” and Mayme Bouska. Joe grew up in a large family as the ninth of 11 children.
Farming was a major part of Joe’s life, and it was work he truly loved. He farmed for more than 25 years and also worked at White Farm until the company closed.
Joe was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, where his faith remained an important part of his life.
He also found happiness in everyday moments. Joe enjoyed farming, playing cards, cheering for the Minnesota Twins and following the Iowa Hawkeyes, especially women’s basketball. He liked a good ice cream sundae and often spent time watching “Gunsmoke,” televised church services or whatever sporting event happened to be on.
Joe married Norma Jean “Jeannie” Smith on May 21, 1960. Together, they raised three children: Jacqueline “Jackie,” Randy and Steven. Jeannie died in 2001. In 2003, Joe married Rose Smith, and they shared their lives together until her death in 2014.
In his later years, Joe faced health challenges after hip fractures in 2023 and 2024. He lived for a time at Apple Valley Assisted Living, where he was happy, and later spent his final year and a half at 9th Street Chautauqua.
There, he enjoyed watching birds and squirrels outside his window and sharing his familiar humor with the staff, who came to know and love him for it.
Joe is survived by his children, Jackie Jenkins and her husband, Fred, Randy Bouska and his wife, Tina, and Steven Bouska and his wife, Amy; special friend, Shari Schmitt; sisters, Vera Rimrodt and Irma Kime and her husband, Bob; along with several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeannie; second wife, Rose; his parents; brothers, John, Cliff, Verne, Jim and Cletus; and sisters, Margaret Diebler, Arlene Vrzak and Donna Hrdlicka.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City, with Rev. Tom Heathershaw officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the church, beginning with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the service Tuesday.
Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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