Cooney, Joseph L.

Joseph L. Cooney, 89, died Dec. 21, 2011, in hospice care at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell, with graveside services at a later date.

Joseph Leo Cooney was born May 29, 1922, in Marengo, Iowa, the son of William and Mona (Bell) Cooney. After graduation from Marengo High School, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force in China during World War II. He married Lois Mae Hoyle on Nov. 8, 1941, in Inglewood, Calif. Joe was a rural mail carrier in Marengo for several years. He then served as postmaster in Marengo and Iowa Falls, retiring in 1981.

Joe was very active in several organizations. He was commander of the Marengo American Legion, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and Lt. Governor of Kiwanis. He was a past state president of the U.S. Postmasters Association and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Joe was a past board president of Marengo Memorial Hospital. He organized and managed the county Red Cross swimming program in Marengo for many years. He officiated high school and college athletics for 25 years.

The surviving family includes his wife, Lois; children, Gary (Elaine), Mike (Jade), Emmett (Kristin), Frank (Debbie), Tim (Janine), Jeanette and Garth (Della); 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Gode; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, four children (Kathleen, Patricia, Paul and a stillborn daughter) and two brothers (John and James).

Published Dec. 25, 2011, in The Gazette