Joe J. Bapka, 96, of Mansfield, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, following a brief illness.
Joe was born on June 16, 1919, in Mansfield, to Mike and Eva (Pilk) Bapka. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, as a combat engineer, during World War II.
He enjoyed collecting antique pocket watches and building clocks. He also enjoyed collecting pocket knives and “antiquing” at auctions and garage sales.
He is survived by two children, Michael (Paula) Bapka, of Lexington, and Barbara Thompson, of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Kelly Bapka, of Florida, John Thompson, of Mansfield, Casey (Jennifer) Thompson, of North Carolina, and Suzanne (Shayne) Dilworth, of New Mexico; and one great-grandchild, Paige Dilworth, of New Mexico.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathren Bapka; and five sisters, Anna Bishop, Catherine Mergel, Helen Deschner, Martha Buis, and Mary Esterline.
Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mansfield Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com.
