Summers, Loyal 'Joe'

Loyal “Joe” Summers, 65, of Albia, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Monroe Care Center in Albia. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Winfield Funeral Home in Albia, with the Rev. Michael E. Volkmer C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the family present throughout the day and evening. A Christian wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Joe was born June 10, 1944, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Clarence and Margaret (Hornback) Summers. He grew up in Tyrone, Iowa before moving to Albia, where he attended school. Joe served his country in the Navy. After the service, Joe married Janet Zotz on June 7, 1969, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. They shared 40 wonderful years of marriage and to this union three sons were born.

Joe was a member of St. Mary's Church in Albia, Eagles Club, Local 43 Laborers Union, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing cards, and spending time with his family and friends. Joe was also very generous and enjoyed volunteering his time to help others.

He is survived by his wife Janet of Albia; his three sons, Jeff (Ronda) Summers of Aurora, Colo., Jerry (Tracy) Summers of Phoenix and Justin (Jamie) Summers of Sacramento, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Alex, Joseph and Johnathon Summers. Joe is also survived by two sisters, Vonnie Christy of Albia and Lori Keiffer of Hampton, Ill.; a brother, Jim Summers of Albia; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Margaret; four brothers, Irvin, Kenny, Clarence “Shag” and Chester Summers in infancy; and three sisters, Evelyn Rhinehart, Mary Smith and Margaret Keyes Smith.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice of Monroe County.

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