Joseph “Joe” Walter Lagoski was born October 19, 1948 and passed away at his home on September 8, 2021. He was the second child born to Ted and Betty Lagoski. He was a 1962 graduate of Saint Joseph Grade School, a 1966 graduate Bishop Ward High School and a 1976 graduate of Memphis State University with a degree in accounting.
After graduation from High School in 1966, Joe was tired of school, so he and a couple of his high school buddies enlisted in the Marine Corps (and his mother was furious to say the least). After boot camp in San Diego, he reported to “A’ School in Millington, TN with the intention of being a helicopter engine mechanic. Due to a series of unfortunate events, he was medical disqualified and instead he OJT’d as an 0121 Service Record Book clerk, aka a “Remington Ranger”. While at Millington, he volunteered for service in Vietnam. His request was granted, and he served in Da Nang with a Military Police Company, earning his Combat Action Ribbon. Joe rotated back to the state after a short stint in Okinawa and was Honorably Discharged in 1970.
Some of Joe’s first jobs included “throwing papers” for the Kansas City Kansan, working as a stock boy and filling grocery orders at Basey’s Market on South 10th Street and working at a service station learning to be a “grease monkey”.
Even though he chose to be an accountant for his career, the “grease monkey” experience hooked him on his lifelong hobby—cars and NASCAR. From his first pride and joy—his 1967 Black Chevy Chevelle 396 SS with a four on the floor to his current “orange” Challenger and ’29 Roadster, Joe was always working on cars. His current project was a ‘34 coupe that’s currently in his garage, kitchen, dining room, living room, and most likely a couple bedrooms. He also enjoyed trips to several NASCAR races including, most recently, camping five days in the infield at Talladega Motor Speedway.
Joe was an active member of Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Overland Park where he was a part of their prayer ministry and the Knights of Columbus.
Joe was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, an awesome brother and great friend to many. He leaves behind his son Col Joseph “Brad” Lagoski (USMC) and Brad’s wife Danielle (CDR USN), his two granddaughters Hannah and Caroline; his sisters Christi Steger (John), Nina Walton (Dean), Peggy Evrard (Scott) and brothers Mike (Mary Jo), Eddie, Herb (Christy) and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, his parents Ted and Betty Lagoski and his older brother Teddy.
A visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 PM, Wednesday, September 15th at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia Lenexa, KS. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 Thursday, September 16th at Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Overland Park. Full military honors ceremony and burial at the Leavenworth National Cemetery 150 Muncie Road Leavenworth, KS at 1:30 PM, September 16, 2021.
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