Joseph J. Kolodzey

Col. Joseph J. Kolodzey, USAF (retired), died peacefully December 30, 2003 in his home in Universal City, TX. Col. Kolodzey was born May 1, 1917 in Yorktown, TX, the younger son of Ed and Mary Kolodzey. He attended St. Edward's University and the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the U.S. Air Force, received his commission and served in Europe during World War II. He retired from the military in 1971 after a distinguished 30-year career. Col. Kolodzey pursued a variety of interests and skills throughout his life. He learned leatherworking in his father's saddle shop in Yorktown and produced many finely tooled decorative items. He enjoyed fishing and became a Master Caster, winning numerous competitions for casting accuracy. He designed and made fishing rods with remarkable intricate patterns. He was also a skilled woodworker who designed and built beautiful furniture. In the last several years, he was known for his hand-crafted wooden puzzles and decorative boxes, as well as his distinctive wire sculptures. Col. Kolodzey never sought profit for his creations; his greatest enjoyment came from giving them to family, friends and acquaintances. Col. Kolodzey is survived by two daughters, Sarah Hesslink of Spokane, WA, and Katie Kolodzey of Austin, TX; brother, Charles E. Kolodzey of Austin; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aubrey Dunn Kolodzey in 1988. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, January 5, 2004 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Yorktown. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Drive, New Braunfels, TX. Arrangements by: LAMPRECHT-JANSSEN FUNERAL HOME Yorktown, TX 78164 (361) 564-2277