Joe Hodnik

Joseph John Hodnik, 78, Olathe, passed away on October 23, 2005. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Alzheimer's Association Heart of America Chapter, Grace United Methodist Church, and/or the Deaf Cultural Center in Olathe.
Joe was born December 23, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio, to Adam and Mary Hodnik. He graduated from the Youngstown Public Schools in 1944 and worked in the steel mills of Youngstown. He entered the U.S. Army in 1945 and served as an infantryman in Europe until his honorable discharge in 1947. Upon his return to the United States, he attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. After obtaining his degree, he became the printing teacher at the Kansas State School for the Deaf in Olathe where he served faithfully for 39 years. He married Margaret Ann McDow in 1957. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Clockwinders Optimist Club, and the Earl Collier Post #153 of the American Legion.
Joe touched many lives with his humor and his dedication to educating the deaf. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Margaret Hodnik; son John e. Hodnik and wife Debbie of Olathe and grandchildren Sarah and Kristen Hodnik; and daughter Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Gleason and husband Reverend Danny Gleason of St. Francisville, Louisiana, sister; Margie Lynch and husband Bob of Youngstown, Ohio and a brother; Adam Hodnik of Youngstown, Ohio.
The family would like to extend their grateful appreciation to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Olathe and Hospice of Olathe Medical Center for their loving care of Joe.