Joseph M. Ostrowski

KEWANEE – Joseph M. “Joe” Ostrowski, 90, a resident of the Illinois Veterans Home of LaSalle, formerly of Kewanee, died at 9:40 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023 at the home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 26 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Deacon Martin VanMeltebeck officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Kewanee VFW Post 8078 or to the Illinois Veterans Home of LaSalle c/o Joseph Ostrowski.

He was born November 14, 1932 in Kewanee, the son of Vincent J. and Mary (Tomsic) Ostrowski. He married Nancy E. Hogeboom on August 11, 1956 in Kewanee and she preceded him in death on April 22, 2000. Survivors include his daughter, Deborah (Matt) Kenady of Lacon, IL, a sister-in-law, Connie Ostrowski of Kewanee and two grandchildren, Ashley Ostrowski and Joe Pollock. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his son, Terry, two sisters, Dorothy Dybdal and Delores Kermeen and two brothers, Vincent Jr. and Edward.

Joe attended Kewanee schools and was drafted and served his country in the U.S. Army in 1953 during the Korean Conflict, serving 2 years. He owned and operated LaCarioca Tavern in Kewanee for 6 years and had worked as a cement finisher for 50+ years. He was a life member of the International Union of Bricklayers, Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 23.

He was a lifetime member of the Kewanee VFW Post 8078 and the Galva American Legion. Joe prided himself in his cement work and being a union man. He loved to garden, bake and make his polish sausage. He also enjoyed his Model T and Model A cars, participating in races and shows, winning many awards.

A special thank you to the staff at the Illinois Veterans Home of LaSalle for providing such outstanding care and to Hospice Compassus.

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