Joseph Stefani
December 22, 2010
Joseph Amedeo Stefani was born August 21, 1923, and died December 22, 2010. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2011, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 S.W. Ninth Street, Des Moines, with a 6:30 p.m. rosary.
One of three children, Joseph, was born in Dallas Camp, Iowa. His parents, both Italian immigrants, worked near the coal mines. He attended Grimes High School where he was an All-star Athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. On October 6, 1944, he married Beverly Jean Parkins, and they were married for 66 years. Joe and Beverly lived in Des Moines, where they raised their two daughters: Christy Lynn Spicciati and Jolene Marie Metcalf. Joe worked at Meredith Publishing Company for 42 years where many of his co-workers became life-long friends because of Joe’s hard work and fairness on the job.
Joe loved his garden and his fishing, and passed this joy on to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Joe will be remembered fondly for his love of his family, his incredible work ethic, his tenacity, and his tomatoes and banana peppers. His family recipes are the only Italian dishes cooked in the homes of his two children, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Joe played a mean game of Dirty Board and will be remembered for always having a Joker in his hand.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s or Hospice Taylor House.
On-line condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Robin Tedesco
04/02/2012
Bev,
We are so sorry for your loss. We just found out today that Joe passed away.
As a little girl I always enjoyed riding my bike up see if Joe was outside so I could see him.
Take Care
Sincerely
Robin Tedesco
Louis Spicciati Jr
01/03/2011
Grandfather,
Thanks for all the memories. You were always there to help and show us how to do things the right way: planting and picking vegetables from the garden, tying jigs, playing cards, juicing tomatoes, driving the boat, catching fly balls, preparing eggplant, enjoying rhubarb wine, fishing for walleye Im still sorry about losing your Depth Finder. You were quiet, but always caring. You will be missed at all the family gatherings (and whos gonna tease all the little kids with fake bee noises?).
Love you,
Louie
Jeremy Frazee
01/03/2011
Joe, It was a pleasure to know you! You always made me feel like a part of the family. You were a man of few words, but the words you shared had deep meaning. I hope that I can do as good of a job of raising a family as you did, and be as respected by by children and grandchildren as you are. You will be deeply missed, but the advise and wisdom that you have shared with your family and friends will keep you in our hearts and minds for ever!!! Rest in Peace.
Bridger Frazee
01/03/2011
Grandpa Joe,
I miss you. When I think of you, I always remember woodworking, banana peppers, dirty board, and the tractor. I will miss you, but I know you are in a better place. I know you are our Guardian Angel and we will never forget you.
I love you,
Bridger
Carder Frazee
01/03/2011
Grandpa Joe- I love you, I know you are in a better place. I love your banana peppers. I wish you were here, I miss you and I love you.
Love,
Carder
Carder Frazee
01/03/2011
Grandpa Joe- I love you, I know you are in a better place. I love your banana peppers. I wish you were here, I miss you and I love you.
Love,
Carder
Bryson Vincent Frazee
01/03/2011
Grandpa Joe- I love you, I miss you and your banana peppers. I wish you were here but I know you are in a better place. You helped us build our bird house and we all miss you.
Love,
Bryson
Andrea Spicciati Frazee
01/03/2011
Gramps,
I love you. Always soft spoken, but when you spoke I listened. Such a talented man- your banana peppers, tomato plants,and wood making skills. Your work ethic- I still remember when Louie & Matt were behind on their lawn mowing business, you were out there helping them in the pouring rain. Taking the time to help my boys build a bird house. You may of not of said much, but you started so many traditions. You are missed and Loved very much.
Carla Houseman
01/03/2011
Joe, you will missed so much by many, many people. I will especially miss your orneriness and your chuckles. I am blessed to have known you for the past 8 years. Bev, Chris and Jolene, you are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Keen, & Colette Rutenbeck
01/03/2011
Bev, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim and Mary Jane Allgood
01/02/2011
Berverly, Chris and Jolene, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through these days. May you find solace in knowing he lives on in you, you children and grandchildren. I know from Jolene, he's left a legacy you all will always cherish. We were blessed to have celebrated Christmas with you last year. Peace be with you.
Dominic Sante Terlaje
01/02/2011
Aunt Bev and family. May the Lord's presence give you consolation and healing. We pray for Uncle Joe. That the Lord grant him an eternal home in heaven. God Bless. Love Dominic Geri and family in Guam.
Gianna Spicciati
01/02/2011
Grandpa,
My favorite memory of you will be working/playing in your garden. Thank you for the tractor rides, your delicious banana peppers, your crisp endive, your fresh tomatoes and your crunchy cucumbers. I loved coming to Iowa to spend time with you and grandma. I will pass the love of dirty board on to everyone I know and most importantly I will carry your memory with me and share it with loved ones.
Rest in peace grandpa, I love you!
Gianna
Ginger
01/02/2011
He will always be lovingly remembered! I still think about all of us at the house you had before yours now. Coming over for Christmas, Dad and Uncle Joe going hunting, spending the night upstairs. We were pretty young and I don't remember all the details but it's one of the things that really stand out in my mind.
Love Cousin Ginger
Jolene Metcalf
01/02/2011
Dad we love you and will miss you. You will be remembered for your love of your family and your strong and quiet nature.
I think I will miss your most remembered saying no matter what I asked your first response was " I dont know what to tell you "
I love you dad!