Joseph "Joe" J. Toczek

Joseph J. Joe Toczek, 71, of Grand Island, died on Saturday 20, 2014.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Darlene Dotti (Baran) Toczek, daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Brad Wilson of Lincoln, son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Beth Toczek of Kansas City, MO and son Joseph J. JJ Toczek of Lincoln. Grandchildren, Bryce and Molly Wilson of Lincoln and Coleton, Maisey and Jessica Toczek of Kansas City, MO. Sisters, Lorraine Toczek of Grand Island and Alicia Toczek of Loup City, sisters and brother-in-laws, Mary and Jim Lutz of Arcadia and Helen and Bruce Ohme of Arcadia and brother, Mike Toczek of Red Cloud. He is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and many wonderful neighbors and friends.

Joe was preceded into death by his parents, mother-in-law, father-in-law and numerous aunts and uncles.

Joe was born on January 12, 1943 to Joe and Helen (Augustyn) Toczek. He grew up in Loup City where he attended St. Josephats Parochial Elementary School and Loup City High School where he graduated in 1960. Joe served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1963. He attended Kearney State College where he earned a Bachelors Degree in 1968 and a Masters Degree in 1973. He received his Education Specialist Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1977. Joe taught and coached at Loup City Central Catholic, Arcadia, Deshler and Grand Island before entering into administration. He was the Principal and Athletic Director at Clarks High School and Grand Island Northwest High School. Joe became the Superintendent of the Northwest School District in 1980 and stayed in that position until his retirement in 2001. He was an Interim Superintendent for the Centura Public School District and the Interim Business Manager for St. Marys Cathedral. Joe currently worked part-time at Apfel Funeral Home and was a volunteer at the Grand Island Veterans Hospital.

Joe was a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators and Nebraska School Masters Club. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post No. 1347, American Legion Post No. 53 and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1159.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends as well as golfing, fishing and playing cards.

Services will be at 11 am on Friday, September 26, 2014 at St. Marys Cathedral in Grand Island with Rev. Richard Piontkowski and Rev. Michael McDermott officiating. Family burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm at St. Marys Cathedral with a 7 pm Prayer Vigil Service. Apfel Funeral Home is serving the family.

To honor Joes wishes, instead of sending flowers, please make memorial contributions to his family to designate.