Tribute & Message From The Family

Joseph J. Szymanski, 87, of Dixon, died on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

Joe was born on December 5, 1929 in Hegewisch, a suburb of Chicago, the son of Joseph and Mary (Plebanski) Szymanski. He was united in marriage to Dolores "Dee Dee" Metcalf-Snyder on February 25, 1994 in Dixon.

Joe graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago and attended McCormick Business College. He worked for Allied Locke for 22 years as a supervisor and had worked in shipping, receiving and production.

Joe served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict as a court reporter and high-speed decoder while stationed in Japan. He was wounded in action while serving.

He was a kind-hearted person who loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a love for animals especially his two cats, Black Jack and Phoenix. In his spare time, you would find him cheering on the Cubs, watching world news or reading a good book. He loved bird watching and enjoyed fishing.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Dee Dee, of Dixon; his daughters, Kim (Scott) Latta of Monroe, Wisc. and Valerie (Arlyn) Howard of Dixon; a son, Rod (Beth) Snyder of Tampico; grandchildren, Anna Boer, Seth (Cara) Peikert, Ashley (Kyle) Tegeler, and Austin (Brittany Schmitt) Snyder; great-grandchildren, Raeden, Braylen and Allysen Boer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 12:30-1:30 PM followed by the funeral at 1:30 PM, Saturday, July 8, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Pastor Wesley Dickson, officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Lyndon Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. To send condolences visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com