Joe Daniel Zrelak

Joe Zrelak
Joseph Daniel Zrelak died peacefully at his Victorville home on Aug. 26, 2010, after a short illness. Joe was born Nov. 23, 1930, near Midland, Penn., to immigrant parents from Czechoslovakia. He and his six siblings believed that the path to the American dream was through hard work and dedication to business and the trades.
He was a partner in Valley Floors and built the successful Barstow retail store and floor-laying operation. He wasn't retired for long before he returned to work part-time at Midfield Aviation with his son, Patrick.
Joe and his first wife, Patricia (Paxton), had six children. On May 6, 1971, he married Shirley Britcliffe, a widow with three children to whom he became a loving and caring father. Shirley and Joe created a warm and welcoming home for all nine children and their families and hosted many family gatherings, including memorable Christmas holiday get-togethers with the Zrelaks.
In July, all of his children, their spouses, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered to celebrate his 80th year. Joe held court at the lively daylong pool party where he also shared private talks, laughs, and loving words of thanks from each of this children. A modest man, he was surprised until the end of the many positive influences he had on family and friends.
Joe was a resourceful man who relished solving small mechanical problems with innovative fixes, often using found objects that he saved for just such occasions. His skills suited well his never-ending honey-dos at his and Shirley's beautiful home that they cared for as Family Central.
Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Rudy, Robert, and Jack; and two of his sisters, Helene Bizic and Dorothea Cherene.
He is survived by his sister, Tillie Rajkovich of Washington; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Zrelak of Rialto.
Joe is also survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Randy (Margie) Zrelak of Grand Junction, Colorado, Dan (Yoshi) Zrelak of Lafayette, Colorado, Patrick Zrelak of Apple Valley, Mike Britcliffe of Pasadena, and Mark (Darla) Britcliffe of Oregon; daughters, Marilee (Dennis) Talley of Napa, Suzanne Zrelak-Wilcox of Sacramento, April Zrelak of Lone Pine, Robin Heldreth of Rancho Cucamonga; and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grand nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Services are pending until family and friends can gather to celebrate Joe's life. Victor Valley Mortuary, 760-245-8164, is handling arrangements.
For those who wish, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Victor Valley, 16147 Kamana Road, Apple Valley, Calif. 92307.