- Date Of Birth: September 4, 1923
- Date Of Death: May 15, 2020
- State: Ohio
SALEM – Joseph (Joe) G. Wojtecki, Sr., age 96, decorated World War II veteran, loving and devoted father, pet lover, friend to many and long-time resident of Salem, Ohio, died on May 15, 2020, at Salem North Healthcare Center. He was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six sons of the late John and Justina (Wagner) Wojtecki.
A WWII U.S. Army veteran, Joe served with the storied 95th Infantry Division during the European campaign in the Rhineland and Central Europe theaters. He also served in the U.S. Army of Occupation in Yokohama, Japan. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and a WWII Victory Medal.
Joe retired as a Traffic Supervisor in 1989 from Kaiser Manufacturing after 25 years of service. He previously worked for National Refractories and Mineral Corp. for five years.
He was a 1940 graduate of Union City High School and attended Youngstown State University and Kent State University Salem Campus.
For many years, Joe was an engaged and active member of numerous organizations in his community including, Past President of Columbiana Rotary Club, Lisbon Eagles #2216, Salem AMVETS Post 45, 95th Infantry Division Assoc., Voiture 40 & 8 local Chapter 273, Past Commander of DAV Chapter 122, Honorary Life member of VFW #5532, Life member of American Legion #131 and Honorary Life member and Past Exalted Ruler (1983-1984) Salem Elks Lodge.
He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Salem, Salem Senior Citizens and Salem Area Retirees.
Joe’s survivors include son, Joseph, Jr. (Lourdes), stepson, Richard Kellner, his beloved terrier Scruffy and many nephews and nieces across the country.
He was preceded in death by wife, Mabel Alta Kellner and brothers, Rudolph Sr., William, John, George, and Frank.
