
Joseph Gerald Chladek
Joseph Gerald Chladek, 85, of Johnston, died at his home on Friday, March 29, 2024. Joe was born in Omaha on June 26, 1938. He received his education at Creighton Preparatory School and later attended Creighton University and Northwestern University in Chicago where he received his certificate in Orthotics.
In 1963, he married Helen Liknes. They moved to the Des Moines area where he owned and operated Iowa Orthotics. In 1987, he sold the business but continued to work for a few more years until his retirement. Joe was an avid pool player and ran many pool tournaments in the area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Genelle Valentine, and a brother, James A. Chladek. He is survived by his longtime companion, Judy Pawell; sons, Noel and Jonas (Amber); stepson, James D. (Merlita) Barr; stepdaughter, Laurie (David) Cronin; and grandchildren, Noel Jr., Sinea, Brienna, Karrington, Breanna, Torin, Declan and Frederick; a son-in-law, Tom Valentine, and his ex-wife, Helen Roush; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering was held on Saturday, April 6 at the Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines.
In 1963, he married Helen Liknes. They moved to the Des Moines area where he owned and operated Iowa Orthotics. In 1987, he sold the business but continued to work for a few more years until his retirement. Joe was an avid pool player and ran many pool tournaments in the area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Genelle Valentine, and a brother, James A. Chladek. He is survived by his longtime companion, Judy Pawell; sons, Noel and Jonas (Amber); stepson, James D. (Merlita) Barr; stepdaughter, Laurie (David) Cronin; and grandchildren, Noel Jr., Sinea, Brienna, Karrington, Breanna, Torin, Declan and Frederick; a son-in-law, Tom Valentine, and his ex-wife, Helen Roush; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering was held on Saturday, April 6 at the Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines.