Joe Myrick
October 18, 2011

Myrick, Joe J. God welcomed Joe home on Saturday evening, June 5, 2004, after having sustained courage, faith and a positive attitude while challenged with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) the past year. Born in North Carolina, March 7, 1939, he grew up in the Eau Claire area. Joe graduated with a bachelor's degree from UW ? Stout and a master's degree in Administration. He began his career working on the Minuteman Missile in South Dakota. His journey then became the education sector. A committed leader serving 37 years within the Wisconsin Technical College system, teaching for 2 years before joining the Administrative realms. His incredible leadership was truly an asset for our community, especially for those with whom he worked. Joe's involvement with the Rotary Club spanned many years. After retiring in 2000, Joe became a limo driver and school bus driver. He was a handyman and learned to operate large machinery. In 2003, he and his wife established the At My Express Java Connection in Howard with partners. During Joe's youth, he was involved with the baseball team in Eau Claire. He spent hours there, being a batboy to many of the players who went to Eau Claire. He met the legendary baseball player Hank Aaron. One day on the third base bench, Hank offered Joe $10 if he could recite the Lord's Prayer. Joe obliged and received the $10 and a lifetime memory. A precious gift in the past months, Joe received a phone call from Hank Aaron. Hank is a religious man. Joe was thankful for each day God provided to enjoy his life with his wife and their family and friends. He leaves on this earth, his wife, Joanne Athey, his children, Jennifer Myrick and Major James and Laura Myrick, Savannah GA. His stepchildren, Karla and John Baumgartner, Eden Prairie, MN, Brian Bulkowski, De Pere, Four grandchildren, Colton, Jocelyn, Jared and Lily. His sister, Eileen and Jim Bizeau. His step-mom, Anne Myrick, Altoona, WI. His special cousin, Sherry Southard and her husband Don. Sister-in-law, Jeannette and Jeff Schwartz and brothers-in-law, John and Rhonda Athey, Jerold and Susan Athey, James and Sharon Athey. Incredible friends here on earth he cherished, so numerous to mention each of them. Those who have gone before him include his parents, Nettie (Tubbs) Wojahn and Vincent Myrick, his parents-in-law, Norbert and Helen Athey. Joe's journey with ALS was accompanied by one of their calico cats, who occupied his lap endlessly each and every day with him. Friends may call after 4:00 pm Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Road, where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 6:00 pm with the Rev. Earl Vorpagel, III officiating. Lyndahl Funeral Home is serving the family. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being collected for the ALS Foundation for research. A special thanks to Dr. John Kiser, Dr.James Napier and Missy for their care. A special thanks to Cheryl, Tracy and Mike of the Visiting Nurses Association for their support.

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