Joseph W. Cukla, 86, of Franklin, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on November 3, 1931 in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph and Anna (nee Kluk) Cukla. He lived in Chicago until 1977 when he moved with his family to Franklin, NC. He was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, retired from CR Industries after 47 years of service and was a US Army veteran of the Korean War. Joe was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan and enjoyed all sports. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle.
Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol (nee Musich); three children, Joseph (Tessie) of Chicago, IL, Laura Bishop (Maurice) of Franklin and Suzanne Baldwin (Mike) of Asheville, NC; three grandchildren, Anna Bishop, Matthew Bishop and Jane Remigio; brother-in law, Jerome Graczyk and several beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Angeline, Adeline and Stephanie; brothers, Edward (Lottie), William (Cele), Fred (Virgie), Leonard (Reggie), Mitchell (Irene) and Bruno and a nephew, Edward.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Father Tien Duong will officiate with full military rites conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Monday, February 12th at Macon Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to Capital Improvement Fund at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 299 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734 or Appalachian Animal Rescue, PO Box 81, Franklin, NC 28744.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.