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Brosam, Joe C.
Joe C. Brosam, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully Saturday morning, April 7, 2012, at Higley Mansion Care Center. At Joe's request there will be no funeral services. A gathering to celebrate Joe's life will be held Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Irish Democrat.
Joe was born the son of Ward and Myrtle Brosam on Dec. 17, 1924, in Decatur, Ill. The family soon relocated to California, and eventually to the Oklahoma City area, where Joe spent most of his childhood and from where he eventually graduated high school. Joe's high school education was interrupted by World War II, when he enlisted in the Navy and served in the 2nd Marine Division fighting his way through four islands in the Pacific Theater. Before shipping out Joe came home to Oklahoma City on a 10-day pass. While going up the escalator at Woolworth's he was totally taken by a young lady he spied on the down escalator. He reversed course and that day he met Rosa Lee Pernicka, the love of his life and wife of 50 years.
Following the war Joe returned home to finish school, marry Rosa Lee, and earn a degree in accounting at the University of Oklahoma. Joe and Rosie moved to Cedar Rapids, where, in 1959, Joe began a long and distinguished career in the finance department at Collins Radio/Rockwell Collins, retiring in 1985.
Joe spent many years breeding Doberman pinscher dogs, enjoying golf, collecting valuables with Rosie, any chance to demonstrate his dance floor skills, all forms of entertainment with close friends, Darrell and Ethel, and in recent years going to the casino with Bob and Dennis.
Joe was preceded in death by Rosa Lee in 1996 and by two brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his brother, Dale Brosam of Hampton, Va.; and sister, Gail Dees of Tulsa, Okla.
As testament to his warmth, character and charm, Joe is also survived by a host of friends, all of whom would describe themselves as “close.”
We would like to thank the staff at Higley Mansion and Mercy Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they provided for Joe.
Memorials may be made to the Shrine Hospitals for Children, c/o Bradley & Riley P.C., 2007 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
Published April 12, 2012 in The Gazette
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