Joseph E. ZWICKL

ZWICKL, Joseph E.
May 22, 1927 - Dec. 7, 2009

Joseph E. Zwickl, age 82, passed away on December 7, 2009, from Congestive Heart Failure. Joe had been retired for over six years from lifelong self-employment. Known as an all around good old Joe, his life's ambition had been to be a good provider for his family.

Also known as ''Junkyard Joe'', he had been involved in salvaging property and used vehicles in the Rocklin-Roseville area. Along with his wife Ruby, he operated a produce stand in Rocklin from the late '70s to early '80s, when he was known as ''Produce Joe''. Previously they had operated as vendors at various auctions and flea markets, selling bread and groceries. Then he was known as ''Breadman Joe''.

Joe and his family moved to California from Colorado in the mid '60s. The Zwickls resided in Roseville from 1964 to 1976. They were active in St. Rose Parrish, where their three children attended school. In recent years they were residents of Oakdale Heights Senior Living Center in Roseville. There he was known for his dancing skills and jitterbugging at social events.

Joe was born and raised in Colorado. During the Korean War, from 1950 to 1952 he was an Army Ranger Paratrooper. His unit would parachute and operate behind enemy lines. He was decorated for his service, and discharged back to Colorado, where he was a farmer, licensed pilot and crop duster. He loved flying. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Ruby Zwickl. He is survived by his son John Zwickl and his wife Janene and two children, Kathleen and Zachary of Rocklin; daughter Mary Weber and her husband Sean of Concord; and daughter Teresa Zwickl and her daughter, Briana Alford of Rocklin.

A celebration of his life will be held at a Catholic Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Roseville.

In Lieu of flowers donations should be made to the National Ranger Memorial Foundation, Inc.