Joe Ray Fitzpatrick

     Joe Ray Fitzpatrick was born on May 7, 1947, in Denison, Iowa to Joseph and Regina (Rule) Fitzpatrick. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Dunlap, Iowa in 1965 and went on to attend Creighton for one year before beginning a life of hard work and service. In 1967, Joe Ray enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country until 1971. His military service reflected a sense of duty that remained part of the way he lived his life. Joe Ray was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen “Katie” Austin in Sunnyvale, California and the couple returned to the Dunlap and Dow City area. After returning home, Joe Ray built a career shaped by dedication and steady effort. He worked at IBP for five years, then spent time trucking for local farmers, a role that connected him closely to the people and land of the area. In 1998, he began trucking for Farner-Bocken in Carroll, Iowa where he worked for 14 years. Joe Ray was a long-time member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City.

     Away from work, Joe Ray found enjoyment in golfing and tractor pulling. These interests brought pleasure to his life and reflected his appreciation for both recreation and the rural traditions of the area.

     Joe Ray died on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 79 years, five months, and 23 days.

     Joe was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Katie; son, Johnny Abernathy; and sister, Jeanne Hoffmann and her husband Jim. He is survived by his children, Annette and her husband Bob Burks of Omaha, Nebraska and Joe Mike Fitzpatrick and his wife Consuelo of Dow City; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Sister Jude Fitzpatrick of West Des Moines, Iowa, John Fitzpatrick and his wife Beverly of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Jim Fitzpatrick of Sun City, Arizona; and many other relatives and friends.