With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Joseph Phillip Kurkowski, Jr., 84, who left to be with our Lord on April 15, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was the loving husband of Barbara, dear father of Michael (Lisa) and Mark (Amy), and dear grandfather of Jacob, Matthew, Benjamin, and Alexander.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ruth Kurkoski, and was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 12, 1941. He was the dear brother of the late Nancy (Dallas) Reuter, Phillip (the late Connie) Kurkoski, the late Mary Hubbard, the late Linda Buchanan, Kathy (Keith) Hague, Janet (the late Steve) Hannaman, Steve (Ellen) Kurkoski, and Dawn Welch, and brother-in-law to Mike Buchanan. He was an uncle, great uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Joe served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman in Fort Jay on Governor's Island, in New York City. He then worked for 38 years installing the telephone system beginning at Western Electric, AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Alcatal Lucent. He loved volunteering, and was a member of the Maplewood Lions Club for 53 years, and served in many roles including President. He was a Eucharistic Minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Paul's Catholic Churches, performed the weekly communion service at Delmar Garden Meramec Valley nursing home, prepared packets and mailers for SSM Hospice and Alzheimer's Association, and played Santa Claus for several organizations including Santa's Helpers, Lions Club, and Kmart.

Joe never knew a stranger, and was thoughtful, kind, and compassionate to all he met. He loved to joke around with friends and family, and had the happiest and easy-going disposition. He loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed playing sports and snowball fights with his grandsons.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Fenton, MO, with a Lions Club Rose ceremony at 6:30pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 23rd at 9:00am at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 15 Forest Knoll Dr. in Fenton, MO. Internment immediately following mass at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.