Joe Franklin Dolezal, 89, passed away at home in Reno, NV on 12/26/2025.
Joe was born in Denver, CO on 6/21/1936 to Ima Lee Cargill of Kentucky and Joseph Dolezal of the Czech Republic. Joe had one half-brother, Gary Dolezal of Denver.
Joe and his family moved to California, eventually settling in Salinas where he graduated from Salinas High School in 1954. He joined the US Marine Corps in January of 1955 and after training as a rifle expert and telegraph operator, was stationed at North Camp Fuji and Okinawa in Japan.
After his service he moved back to the Salinas area where he held several jobs. Joe married and had two children. He joined the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club and regularly raced his Triumph motorcycles in different types of races. He also participated in other events with the club riding through California and Nevada.
Joe went to work for San Jose Steel in the 60's and worked the rest of his career as an Ironworker. He moved to San Francisco in 1966 and worked on much of the buildings which comprise San Francisco's skyline, as a longtime member of Iron Workers Local Union 377, and the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers. Before his retirement in the early 90's, Joe was featured in the January 1983 San Francisco magazine, as having one of the Most Dangerous Jobs in Town.
After retirement, Joe moved to Reno where he enjoyed the bright lights and the big mountain views. He loved his community and will be missed.
Joe is survived by his Son, Jon Dolezal of Estacada OR, and his daughter, Tracy Macrum of South Pasadena CA. He leaves 5 Grandchildren, (Joss, Kyle, Lauren, Quinn, and Cate), and 3 Great Grandchildren, (Ellie, Vivy, and Iyla).
Joe was born in Denver, CO on 6/21/1936 to Ima Lee Cargill of Kentucky and Joseph Dolezal of the Czech Republic. Joe had one half-brother, Gary Dolezal of Denver.
Joe and his family moved to California, eventually settling in Salinas where he graduated from Salinas High School in 1954. He joined the US Marine Corps in January of 1955 and after training as a rifle expert and telegraph operator, was stationed at North Camp Fuji and Okinawa in Japan.
After his service he moved back to the Salinas area where he held several jobs. Joe married and had two children. He joined the Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club and regularly raced his Triumph motorcycles in different types of races. He also participated in other events with the club riding through California and Nevada.
Joe went to work for San Jose Steel in the 60's and worked the rest of his career as an Ironworker. He moved to San Francisco in 1966 and worked on much of the buildings which comprise San Francisco's skyline, as a longtime member of Iron Workers Local Union 377, and the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers. Before his retirement in the early 90's, Joe was featured in the January 1983 San Francisco magazine, as having one of the Most Dangerous Jobs in Town.
After retirement, Joe moved to Reno where he enjoyed the bright lights and the big mountain views. He loved his community and will be missed.
Joe is survived by his Son, Jon Dolezal of Estacada OR, and his daughter, Tracy Macrum of South Pasadena CA. He leaves 5 Grandchildren, (Joss, Kyle, Lauren, Quinn, and Cate), and 3 Great Grandchildren, (Ellie, Vivy, and Iyla).
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