Joseph Flavius Lorkowski

Joseph Flavius Lorkowski passed away Friday, October 30, 2009, at the age of 93. His eventful and productive life can best be described as one of service; he always tried to serve his God, his country, his family and fellow man to the best of his ability. Born Joseph Anthony Lorkowski in Detroit, Michigan, on June 11, 1916, to Joseph Gabriel and Rose (Stypinski), he was the youngest of six children: brothers Bruno, Flavius, and Edgar, and sisters Rose (Kulwicki) and Esther (Sister M. Rosanne I.H.M.). Joe met his wife, Lily Moss Pickthorn, in her native California when he, an Army Supply officer, and she, an Army nurse, were both in training to deploy to Europe during WWII. He participated in the invasion of Normandy and fought through the end of the war. During the war he was hospitalized then returned to duty, and was captured by the German army then liberated by the American forces. After VE Day he remained in Germany as a Polish language interpreter. Joe and Lily were married in England on May 26, 1945, before they were released from the Army. They returned to Detroit, where they had three sons between 1946 and 1949; James Joseph, William Flavius, and Joseph Anthony. Joe was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Army for the Korean War and remained on active duty until his retirement in 1969. During his 32-year career he held every rank from Private to Captain, and was assigned to many duty stations including Texas, Alaska, New York, Japan, California, and Michigan, as well as the battlefields in Korea and Europe. He moved to 5607 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Texas, in 1957 and, except for a brief tour of duty in Alaska, he remained in E Paso for the rest of his life. Community service was always an important part of Joe’s life. In El Paso he was a Boy Scout Leader, serving for many years as an adult advisor in the Order of the Arrow, and was awarded Vigil Honor status. He was presented the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts of America Yucca Council and the Saint George Award by the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. Joe was active in the Knights of Columbus and their Fourth Degree assembly for over 49 years. He held several leadership positions in both organizations, including Council 4497 Treasurer and Cristo Rey Assembly Faithful Comptroller, and was named Knight of the Year many times. He served weekly as an usher at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for over 40 years. Through out his entire adult life he contributed regularly to several charitable organizations and missions. Joe was a loving husband who cared for Lily during a long illness before her death on January 12, 1977; and a kind father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was always ready with help and counsel. He is survived by his three sons: (1) James and wife Gay of Grapevine, Texas, their sons Thomas with wife Leah, son Ryan and daughter Kate, and Michael with wife Mary Jane and son Evan; (2) William and wife Teri of Fairbanks, Alaska, their sons, Tim and Mark; and (3) Joseph with wife Blanca of El Paso, Texas, their son Joseph and daughter Lily; and also by several nephews, nieces, and their families. Viewing will be held Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, November 6, 2009 at 9:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, followed by interment at 10:30 am alongside his wife at Fort Bliss National Cemetery and a celebration of his life at 11:30 am at the American Legion Hall at 4724 Vulcan Ave. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to: Yucca Council, Boy Scouts of America, 7601 Lockheed Dr., El Paso, TX 79925 or www.yuccabsa.org Service entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit the on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.