Joseph “Joe” George Bartushock Jr. , 86, Apache Junction, AZ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 18, 2024. Joe was born in Columbus, NE on September 13, 1938 to Rosa and Joseph Bartushock Sr. Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1957. Although he received a medical discharge for injuries during training, he remained a proud Marine his entire life. Semper Fi
Joe married the love of his life, Della Lux, on June 16, 1962. They remained in love and happily married for 60 years and 2 months. Their love resulted in three children, Nick in 1963, Frank in 1964, and Polly in 1974.
Joe was a life long Catholic who was very active in the church and worked at D & L Manufacturing in Columbus, NE until he retired. Leaving Columbus was not an easy decision but after 15 years as Snowbirds, Joe and Della moved to Apache Junction, AZ. They enjoyed many activities and explored new interests together. Della passed away in 2022 after a short illness which left Joe heartbroken. While he remained active and even adventurous, it was never the same for him. After falling ill, he went to be with his love, Della, on June 18, two days after their anniversary.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Della, his son, Nick , his sister, Nancy (Joe) Woerth, and his parents. He is survived by his son, Frank (Melina), of Mesa, AZ, his daughter, Polly (Hasten) and his grandchildren, Hannah, Landon and Logan of League City, TX, and his brother, Kenneth (Sharon) of Singapore, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at 10:30 A.M. and services will be held at 11:30 A.M. in the chapel at Mountain View Cemetery, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207.