Joseph A. Mlynek, age 79, of Oroville died on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 at his home.

He was born on Dec. 26, 1928 on the farm in Schuykill County, Pennsylvania, to parents of Polish descent. Joe came from a family of five boys and four girls; six out of the nine kids served in the Armed Service. Joe was always proud that his mother had six stars on her flag. At age 17, he quit school and forged his Dad’s name to service papers and joined the Air Force, serving from Jan. 1946 until Sept. 1948. Following an honorable discharge from the service he began a mining career, working underground in Idaho and Nevada. Joe was in a mining blast accident where he lost his eye. After that he was known as “One Eyed Joe”. In the 1950’s he came to Washington working in the apple industry. Joe enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing. He was a tremendous bass fisherman long before bass boats were popular. He spent his weekends and vacations hunting and fishing and passing on this knowledge when possible. Joe was a member of the American Legion, as he believed in supporting the men and women of our country who defend it. Joe will be greatly missed as he was always one for family. He enjoyed a great barbecue and a good potato salad. Mere words cannot express how much he will be missed.

Joe was preceded in death by many close friends and family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please watch the paper for an announcement.

Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville in care of arrangements