A pall has been cast over the village, as we have lost one of our best citizens. On Monday, November 30th, Joe Srsnick of Bryant Road crossed the great beyond, at the sagely age of 90 years, mere days after the passing of his beloved wife, Josie. A brave veteran of the Korean War, in which Joe served as a medic, this author had the advantage of being acquainted with him upwards of 20 years. An amateur archaeologist since his childhood, many were the times when we both trudged through underbrush in and around Mokena to some long-forgotten farmhouse foundation, in order to do rudimentary excavations in search of ancient coins, bottles and other such detritus of yesteryear.
Joe also worked tirelessly in the name of historic preservation, serving on the Will County Historic Preservation Commission, and being an early and long-time member of the second incarnation of the Mokena Area Historical Society. He also gave countless hours of his own time and expense restoring the historic tombstones of our forefathers at Pioneer and St. Mary’s Cemeteries. Joe was always a staunch supporter of the endeavors and projects in my efforts to research and document our community’s history, and his influence meant for great things in this work. Joe Srsnick will neither be easily replaced nor ever forgotten.
Joe and Josie Srsnick at home in Mokena. (image courtesy of Marianne Lulinski)
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