Joseph Trnka

Joseph Leonard Trnka, 84, of Faribault, MN died peacefully on July 21, 2020.

Joseph Leonard, the son of Mathias and Rose (Sticha) Trnka was born on November 24, 1935 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, MN.  He married the love of his life Stacy Kotek on April 12,1955 and throughout their 65-year marriage created family memories at their beloved lake house in Northern Minnesota, danced with his bride to polka and country music on Saturday nights in Faribault, cheered for his grandchildren at numerous sporting events and played cards with friends in Faribault. Joe was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He cherished time spent with those he held most dear and passed on his passion for outdoor sports to his children and grandchildren. Joe worked as a dye master for the Faribault Woolen Mill and retired after 30 years of service. He also worked for Wilson & Co. for 10 years.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Stacy, his children Kenneth (Julie), Gary, and Brenda (Erik), his adoring seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents (Matt and Rose Trnka), Joe was preceded in death by his son Leonard Trnka, brothers Milton and Raymond Trnka and twin sister, Marion Turek.

His family was the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of his kind heart, compassion, love for life will live on through them.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault.  Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

The family encourages all visitors to follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing when present at the visitation and funeral.

Due to the current environment concerning COVID-19, the family understands if you are unable to attend and welcomes you to view the service through a link on Joseph’s obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Faribault Area Hospice Foundation or Bethlehem Academy in memory of Joseph.