Joseph B. Trecek Jr.

Joseph B. Trecek Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Joe was born on August 9, 1932, in Boscobel, Wis., to Joe and Isa Trecek. He grew up on a farm near Boscobel, graduated from high school in 1950, and earned his degree in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1954. After graduation, Joe served two years in the U.S. Army and then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to work at Rockwell Collins for his entire career, retiring as Manager of Credit and Financial Operations after 32 loyal years of service. As a long-time member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Joe dedicated time on numerous church committees. Additionally, Joe served on the board of Alternative Services for Youth & Families in Cedar Rapids. One of Joe's favorite pastimes was playing his clarinet, which he did from an early age. When the University of Wisconsin played in the 1953 Rose Bowl, Joe was a part of the UW Marching Band that went to Pasadena by train. In later years he played with the Collins Band and the Shriners Band, both in Cedar Rapids. Joe is survived by his sisters Jean Mortenson of Madison, Wis., and Joyce (Cecil) Parker of Wales, Wis., and sister-in-law Marlene Trecek of Portage, Wis. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews: Linda (Jim Harms) Trecek, Dennis Trecek, Amy (Mike) Herzberg, Peter (Brenda) Mortenson, and Mary (Peter) Duff, and several great-nieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Vernon, and brother-in-law Peter Mortenson. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who allowed Joe to live independently, most especially Jody, who formed a bond with his entire family and for whom they are particularly grateful. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201-2926.