Joseph R. Hrubes

Joseph R. Hrubes, 88, of Britt, passed away Monday, December 14, 2009 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating.   Interment at Saint John’s  Catholic Cemetery in Duncan.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center St. West, in Britt and will continue one hour before mass on Thursday at the church.

Joseph Hrubes was born August 15, 1921, to Jilji and Rose (Hejlik) Hrubes on the family farm south of Duncan.  He was the 9th of 11 children, and helped on the family farm while attending country school.  Joe grew up in a household of music and farm chores.

Joe entered the Army, and served in the Philippines in World War II.  After his discharge; he began farming south of Duncan.  On January 28, 1948 he married Leona (Pavelka), at St. Wenceslaus Church in Duncan.  Joe got started playing bass horn (tuba) with Ray’s Accordion Band in the early 1950’s; and then played with the Jolly Fishermen-Malek’s Fishermen band until he retired after playing tuba for 42 years.  Joe and Leona then began entertaining residents at area nursing homes and retirement centers with music for another 9 years.  Joe’s life centered around his family, farming, and music.  Joe loved treating his family to outings and summer vacations, and shared his enjoyment of farming with his children. He spent his life making improvements on the farmland he cared for.  Joe was a member of the Catholic Workmen, American Legion, Federation of Musicians Union, and served on Board of Directors at Britt Farmer’s Coop.

Joe is survived by his wife Leona, children Tom of Mason City, Dennis (Brenda) of Britt, Dale of Nevada, Ron (Deb) of Britt, brother Clarence (Joan), sister Mary Trca, and sister-in-law Margaret Hrubes,  grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Andrea, Nathan, step-grandchildren Rick, Kristine, David & spouses & children, plus many nieces and nephews,.  He was preceded in death by his children Mark, Phillip, and Jeanette; plus 3 brothers and 5 sisters, and numerous relatives.

For many years, Joe ended each day with a practice session on his piano accordion, button accordion, or electronic keyboard.  May those that knew him, remember him for the good things he shared with all of us.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Britt Food Bank.