Joseph Michael "Joe" Lojek

LOJEK, Joseph "Joe" Michael, 66, of Woodbridge, Va., passed away peacefully April 25, 2022, after battling Lewy Body Dementia for several years. He was a graduate of Duquesne University, held two master's degrees and was also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. Joe served for 24 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Following his active duty retirement, Joe continued his service to our country at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia.

Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished time with his family and friends. He was affectionately nicknamed "Boogie Boogie" by his three young granddaughters and "Mick" by his family. Joe enjoyed taking nature walks and visiting the snack bar at Leesylvania Park, where he could easily be spotted as the big man walking a tiny dog. Wherever Joe went, he was sure to make an impression. He is fondly remembered for his goofy sense of humor, bragging that he "taught GPS everything it knows" and love of Pittsburgh Steelers football. Other hobbies included collecting coins and stamps, tending to fish in his aquariums, metal detecting and engineering ways to keep squirrels out of his backyard bird feeders.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Major General Joseph Lojek and MaryAnn Lojek. He is survived by Vickie Lojek, his loving wife of 35 years and devoted caregiver through the duration of his illness; two daughters, Anne McQueen and her husband, Jared McQueen and Miranda Goss and her husband, Doug Goss; three granddaughters, Marilyn, Macy and Claire; sister, Carole Lojek; brother, David Lojek; and aunt, Dorothy Perock. Additional survivors include brothers-in-law, Michael Bernot, Andrew Bernot and wife, Mary; and several cousins and nieces and a nephew.

Joe's life was enriched considerably by quality friendships, and he valued the many people who were an important part of his life. Memorial services for Joe will be the morning of May 12 at Quantico National Cemetery.