Joseph Edward Kauzlarich

1952 - 2025

Joseph Kauzlarich

December 23, 1952 - May 20, 2025

Joseph Edward Kauzlarich, 72, of Colona, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Unity Point, Bettendorf.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St. A, Moline. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to PAWS or University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Joe was born December 23, 1952, in Albia, Iowa, the son of Rudolph and Leona (Murphy) Kauzlarich. Joe married Jacqueline Pigg in 1970. Together they raised two boys. He later married his beloved wife, Linda Dahlberg Carpenter on August 26, 1994, in Davenport, Iowa. Together, they lovingly blended their families.

Joe graduated from United Township High School and went on to build a respected career as a Journeyman Plumber out of Local Union 25 Plumbers and Pipefitters. He dedicated 39 years to the trade, retiring in 2014. Known for his high standards of craftsmanship, Joe took immense pride in his work – always striving for excellence. As they say in the trade, "He did it right the first time." Throughout his career, he was a mentor to many young plumbers passing on both his skills and work ethic to the next generation.

Outside of work, Joe lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding and racing dirt bikes, hunting, boating, camping and water skiing. He and his wife especially loved wintering in Florida and cheering on his favorite teams as a devoted Chicago and Iowa sports fan. Joe also treasured his time spent with his Missouri family, where countless memories were made, and many laughs were had. Above all, he had a deep admiration for his grandchildren. He never missed a chance to attend their sporting events and activities. Their Papa was their most loyal supporter.

Survivors include his wife, Linda; children, Jason (Beth) Kauzlarich, Davenport, Jake Kauzlarich, Davenport, Adrian (Karla) Carpenter, Moline and Amy (Eric) Turner, Rock Island; grandchildren, Alaxandria, Annah, Graycen, Chauncey, Jayden, Eli, Stella, Michael, Chloe, Easton, Derek; great-grandson, Carter; sister, Sharon (Rod) Earl, East Moline, and brother Arnold "Butch" Kershaw, Colona and Shawn Lewis, Columbia, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Gertrude Kauzlarich; by an infant daughter, infant son; and brother, Jerry Kauzlarich.

The family would like to send their heartful gratitude to the staff at Unity Pointe, Bettendorf - nurses Med One and ICU and the staff at U of I Cancer Services Oncology and Radiation Bettendorf.

Condolences may be left at RaffertyFunerals.com.