Joseph Edward Zuchnik

Joseph Edward "Joe" Zuchnik, age 66, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at his home in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma following a courageous battle with renal failure and diabetes.

Joe was born June 08, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan, a son of Bernice and Edward Zuchnik. He was raised in Linwood and Kawkawlin, Michigan where he attended school. He played baseball, basketball, football, and track and field. Joe graduated from Western High School with the class of 1976.

After high school Joe went to Delta College to learn the trade of Welding. In search of work to begin his career, he relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. `He worked many years as a welder at Barrett Trailers, then to Dayton Tire, and then to Tinker Air Force Base where he spent majority of his career as a pneudraulics systems mechanic up until his retirement in April of 2023 after 21 years of service.

 He met Ruth Wright and there was an instant connection. The two were married April 08, 1991, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They loved camping, fishing, spending quality time together, and being home watching sports most often golf. The center of their universe arrived when their only daughter Chelsea Jo was born. Their life revolved around her and being involved in all her activities traveling to watch her play all sports especially softball growing up and through college. His most favorite role was becoming a grandpa to Bentley, Cutler, and Joey who lovingly referred to him as "Pooh."

Joe was best known for his strong work ethic, being someone, his family could count on, his unique humor, and sometimes stubborn tendencies. He was happiest cheering on his favorite sports teams, watching Michigan win the National Championship last year and being at home with his family, most importantly his grandbabies. When his baby girl Chelsea was little, he would have her pick numbers he had wrote on the sidewalk with chalk or from a hat and he would bet those numbers on horse racing and cock fights.

Joe is survived by his wife of 33 years Ruth Zuchnik; daughter, Chelsea Reichert and husband Caleb; three grandsons Bentley, Cutler, and Joey Reichert; brother Kevin Zuchnik and wife Jeanne; Steven Zuchnik and wife Michele; Louis Zuchnik and wife Lori; brother Doug Zuchnik and wife Susan; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Bernice and Edward Zuchnik; and his life long best friend Tom Thorpe.