Joseph M. Fichtl, 94, of Norfolk, Nebraska, died Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Stanton Health Center, Stanton, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 19 at 10:30 AM, at New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson, Nebraska, with Pastor Michele Monroe-Clark officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Clarkson National Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and continue on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time, all at the church. Memorials are suggested as those of family or donor's choice.

Joseph was born on August 4, 1928, in rural Stanton County to Josef and Helen (Kaspar) Fichtl. He attended grade school in rural Madison County and then continued through his sophomore year at Madison High School. When the family moved to a farm north of Leigh, Joe finished his education at Leigh High School and graduated in 1947.

Following graduation, Joe continued farming with his father until he was drafted to the military in September 1951. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky before being deployed overseas in March to Salzburg, Austria. He was promoted to Corporal and became a tank operator. They would cross over to the canyons in Germany to conduct maneuvers. He also had the opportunity to go to Hitler's famous playground-hideaway on a mountaintop known as Eagle's Nest. In September 1953 Joe was honorably discharged and returned home to farm.

It was at a dance in Clarkson that Joe met the love of his life, Marcella Jindra. They were united in marriage February 9, 1956, at New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson, NE. Together they built their lives on the farm north of Leigh. Three children came from this union, Rodney, Nancy, and Connie. In 1985, Joe and Marcy moved to Norfolk where Joe worked at the Norfolk Livestock Market until his retirement at the age of 80.

Joe was a very active person. In his early years he belonged on a bowling league, went deer hunting every fall, and loved going fishing with his family and hand-fishing with his buddies. He loved to travel and took his family on many vacations to explore other states, which led to great family memories. Even after he retired, he would jump at opportunities to go trucking with his son-in-law, just so he could see the countryside. He was always interested in his children and grandchildren's activities. He loved watching sports, listening to polka music, and playing taroks with his grand-daughters; but most of all, he loved to visit with anyone who wanted to sit down for a conversation, he especially liked to joke around. Joe was a member of the Stanton VFW and Clarkson New Zion Presbyterian Church.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Connie (Alvin) Bayer of Clarkson, NE; two granddaughters, Amanda Bayer of Clarkson, NE, and Special Friend Jake Meier and Jessica (Andy) Evans and great-grandson Austin Evans of Pierce, NE; son-in-law Greg Wylie and grandson Kyle Wylie of Pilger, NE; three sisters-in-law Betty Hledik and Shirley (Dean) Brabec of Columbus, NE, and Jeannette Jindra of Fort Madison, IA; two brothers-in-law Adolph Jindra of Schuyler, NE, and Ronald (Marilyn) Jindra of Columbus, NE. Many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marcella Fichtl; son, Rodney Fichtl; daughter, Nancy Wylie; great-granddaughter, Andrea Evans; parents Josef and Helen Fichtl; one sister, Delores (Adolph) Kudera; six sisters-in-law, Alma (Adolph) Podany, Viola (Charles) Suchan, Ruth (Carl) Seberg, Doris (Gary) McDonald, Mildred Jindra and Mary Jindra; four brothers-in-law, Robert Jindra, Alden (Marilyn) Jindra, Richard (Myrtle) Jindra and Ken Hledik; niece, Cindy Podany; and nephews, David Podany and Troy Jindra.

Service Folder Information
SAFELY HOME

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder why I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

In Loving Memory Of

Joseph M. Fichtl

Born
Saturday, August 4, 1928
Stanton County, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Friday, October 14, 2022
Stanton, Nebraska

Service
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 10:30 AM
New Zion Presbyterian Church
Clarkson, Nebraska

Officiant
Pastor Michele Monroe-Clark

Music
Amy Gurnsey – Organist
Cindy Settje – Accordionist
"Amazing Grace"
"On Eagle's Wings"

Casket Bearers
Andy Evans
Kyle Wylie
Tom Fichtl
Jake Meier
Scott Jindra
Allen Kudera

Honorary Bearers
Amanda Bayer
Jessica Evans

Interment
Clarkson National Cemetery
Clarkson, Nebraska

Military Honors
Stanton VFW & American Legion