Joseph Mudra

Joseph Mudra, age 81, of Lexington, died Tuesday morning, July 27, 2004 at his home after a brief illness. He was born March 15, 1923 in Cleveland Ohio to the late Joe F. and Bertha Fronek Mudra. He graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland and attended Case Western Reserve University. At age 18, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the 130th Division, and earned a Bronze Star during WWII landed on Omaha Beach and fought in D-Day + 7 and the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from the Social Security Administration where he worked as manager for Mansfield, Dayton and Toledo. Joe was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden, on the Vestry and was a Sunday school teacher. He was an active member of Men's Garden Club of Mansfield, serving as treasurer for numerous years, Elks Lodge of Lexington and was a former member of Sertoma and Civitan. He volunteered his time as a tax preparer for A.A.R.P., the Host Program and was a member of the Democratic Party Central and Executive Committee. He served as President and on the Board of Island View Condominium Association. Joe's pride and joy were his family, home and garden. He enjoyed many hours with his family and friends at his home on Lake Erie.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Kennersley Mudra; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph H. and Joanne Mudra of Lucas and Jim and Cindy Mudra of Lexington; four grandchildren, Joseph P. Mudra and his fiancée, Kris Speelman, Jason Mudra, Mitchel Mudra and Brady Mudra; and a sister, Alice Zbozien of Garfield Heights. His parents preceded him in death.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Thursday, July 29 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services officiated by Father Walter LaBatt and Rector Emeritus David Sipes will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, with military honors at the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in McPherson Cemetery in Clyde. The family requests memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield Men's Garden Club Scholarship Fund, American Cancer Society, or Hospice of North Central Ohio.