Furka

Joseph “Joe” C. Furka, 97, of Lyndora, passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at home surrounded by loved ones.

He was born in Lyndora on April 5, 1925, and was the son of the late George Furka and Josephine (Slugens) Horvatic.

Ever the adventure seeker, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 years of age on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He served with the U.S. Merchant Marine and challenged the occasional shark to a race back to his ship.

After three years of service and an honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Margaret (Hancheck) Furka. They wed on Feb. 7, 1948, and enjoyed nearly 75 years of marriage and the chaos that comes with having seven children and (once) a raccoon.

Joe worked for Armco Steel for nearly 40 years, then spent almost four decades enjoying retirement.

In his spare time, he was an avid fisherman, hunter, swimmer, woodworker, polka dancer, and motorcyclist. He enjoyed cross-country biking, and had completed the Lower 48 before retiring his motorcycle in his 90s. His sweet tooth, fun-loving antics, and baby balancing skills were unmatched.

Joe was loved dearly by many.

He is survived by his children, Diana (D.L.) McCandless, Debbie Peitz, Theresa (Ted) Czyzyk and Veronica (Don) Forcht; 29 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Snoopy.

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Cecilia George; his sons, David and Joseph Furka; his three brothers; and one sister.

FURKA — Family and friends of Joseph “Joe” C. Furka, who died Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, will be received from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler.

A prayer service will immediately follow at the funeral home.

Full military honors, final prayers and burial will be held at Butler County Memorial Park.

After all services are concluded, a gathering to remember Joseph will be held at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 778.

Please visit www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.