Joseph Hektner passed away on December 31, 2020 of various illnesses associated with the elderly and Covid-19. Joe was 102 and was born August 22, 1918 in Fargo, North Dakota.
Joe graduated from Oak Grove High School and North Dakota State University in 1941 then joined the US Marine Corps. He was assigned duty with the 3rd Marine Division serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II as an officer. He saw active combat serving for two years including Guam and Iwo Jima. He attained the rank of Captain at the time of his discharge. Joe then retired from employment with the Internal Revenue Service in 1978 serving 28 years.
Joe met the love of his life, Mary in 1946 when they were working for Adel Precision Products Corporation. They married in 1950. That was the beginning of a sixty-five year love affair. Mary was Joe's inspiration, lifelong partner and companion. Joe and Mary lived in Van Nuys for fifteen years and moved to Ventura in 1966. They both retired in 1968. Joe and Mary traveled extensively their entire married life. They would be gone for months at a time exploring this country they both loved. They went to every state except Alaska and toured Europe and Mexico. They were both full of adventure and curiosity living life to the fullest. When they were home in Ventura, Joe volunteered and delivered Meals on Wheels for twenty four years throughout Ventura County.
Joe is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and special friends Mike and Tammie Helmuth and their family. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his wife Mary, his sister Dorothy Scott, three brothers in law and a sister in law.
We will all miss Joe’s zest for life, his intellect for real estate investment, buying and selling properties in Ventura and the Los Angeles area. He was also a very strong financial supporter of Oak Grove High School and North Dakota State University, both his alma mater’s along with other numerous nonprofit organizations.
His service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park on Friday, January 29 at noon and will broadcast privately for members of the family that cannot attend.
To plant a fruit bearing tree in the Joseph & Mary Hektner Community Orchard, please contact Meghan Lopez, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast at 805-231-8641.