Joseph Koleno

Joseph J. Koleno, age 81 of New Hampton, Iowa died Thursday evening, December 12, 2013, at his home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Austin, Tim Schmitt, Pat Walker, Chris Walker, Robbie Rosonke and Ricky Rosonke. Friends may greet the family 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2013, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. If so desired, memorials may be made to either Trinity Lutheran Church or Iowa Hospice. Joseph James Koleno was born September 25, 1932, near Protivin in rural Winneshiek County, IA, the son of John F. and Lillian (Krall) Koleno. He received his initial education in Protivin and in 1945, the Koleno family moved to New Hampton where he attended the New Hampton High School. On October 7, 1952, Joe was inducted into the United States Army. He served in Korea in the 40th Infantry Division as a Field Wireman in Communications. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal along with two Bronze Service Stars. He was honorably discharged August 4, 1954, at Camp Carson in Colorado. On September 11, 1954, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, he married Elaine LaHaug. To this union three children were born. Joe worked at John Deere and farmed. Joe and Elaine loved living on the farm, including raising sheep and gardening. They both loved animals, including many cats and dogs that lived on the farm. They also enjoyed boating and fishing, including annual family trips to Minnesota and Canada. Tragically, in 1978, they lost their son, Dan, in an auto accident. Elaine died in 1989. Joe retired in 1990, after 33 years with John Deere. In May of 1993, he met Genny Sweitzer of New Hampton. The two shared a love for traveling and had many wonderful trips and adventures together. They also enjoyed camping and fishing. The couple delighted in visiting and traveling to see their many friends and relatives. Joe enjoyed Cribbage and loved to bowl, doing so throughout his life, until earlier this year when experiencing health concerns. Survivors include his best friend since 1993 and fianc, Genny Sweitzer of New Hampton; one son, Alan (JoDee) Koleno of St. Ansgar, IA; one daughter, Pam (Scott) Chadwick of Cincinnati, OH; four grandchildren, Allison Koleno, Jessica Koleno, Pat Walker and Chris Walker; three great-grandchildren, Adysyn Walker, Derek Walker and Dylan Hengesteg; one brother, James (Linda) Koleno of Dunkerton, IA; three sisters, Susie (Wendell) Lampson of Ionia, IA, Sally (Michael) Austin of Waverly, Dorothy Laubenstein of Ankorage, AK; a sister-in-law, Edna Koleno of New Hampton; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; his son, Dan; one brother, John “Jack” Koleno; one brother-in-law, Earl Laubenstein.