Joseph "Joe" Ukena Obituary (1923 - 2012)

Joseph "Joe" Ukena, 89, of Pana died Monday, July 2, 2012 in his home. He was born May 13, 1923 in Pana, the son of John Mary Kopaunik Ukena. Joe entered the U. S. Army on February 1, 1943 and served during World War II in the Coast Artillery 368th Engineers Branch. Except for his time in the military, Joe lived his entire life in Pana. He retired from Decatur Memorial Hospital Engineering Department. Joe enjoyed farming, working on engines and doing things with his hands. He was a long time member of First United Methodist Church of Pana, and was also a member of Pana Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4431. He married Marie Stivers and she preceded him in death. Joe and Shirley Prather were united in love on May 4, 1997 in Decatur, IL by Pastor Ronald Swan. He is survived by Shirley, the love of his life; nieces: Ruby Bullington, Lorraine Brown, Rowena Huddleston and Christine Ukena; and by his nephew: Clifford John Ukena wife Tammi. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Gertrude Carney; and by 2 brothers: William John Ukena, Clifford Elwin Ukena. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Friday, July 6, 2012 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. David Hultberg officiating. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery, Pana with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.