Joseph Storozyszyn

Joseph Storozyszyn of Harrah and the St. Teresa Catholic community died in Oklahoma City on September 1, 2007. His daughter and son-in-law Linda Kay and Cary Osterhaus were there with him for his peaceful, gentle passing. Joseph, 86, was born March 19, 1921, in Luther Oklahoma to Peter and Bernice Kuryanski Storozyszyn. He attended elementary schools in the Harrah area and then joined the CCC at age 16. He enlisted in the U. S. Army and served honorably in WWII for the entire duration of the European campaign. He returned to Oklahoma City as a decorated combat veteran to his wife Blanch and infant daughter Linda Kay. Joseph continued adult education and training while in Civil Service employment and eventual retirement from Tinker Air Force Base. He and Blanch returned to the Harrah area to ranching and farming activities as Linda went to college at OU. He also did some contracting and house construction. He used his construction skills to oversee and build the original Parish Hall complex at St. Teresa Catholic Church. He and Blanch were longtime members of the choir there. Civic duty and leadership traits led Joseph and Blanch to provide the site for the SW Lincoln County Fire Department. He founded the organization and constructed its first facilities. He also served as its first fire chief and for 24 years was its strong advocate. After Blanch?s death, he continued to live on his Pine Crest ranch. His greatest pleasure came from staying close to the land and outdoor surroundings of his youth. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; wife Blanch; brothers Harry Lee, Marion, Frank, Fred and Bruno; sister Stella; and grandson Sean Corey Osterhaus. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Linda Kay and Cary Osterhaus of Roseburg, Ore.; brother Francis Frank of Oklahoma City; sisters Thelma Bennett of Heavner, OK and Helen Wengier of Harrah, OK; grandson Neal Travis Osterhaus and wife Angela; three great-grandchildren Declan Alexander, Alden Simone and Maxwell Max William; and daughter-in-law Chi Phan Osterhaus. He also leaves loving cousins, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and their families. Joseph gave much to his community, state and nation. His family and friends, old and new, will remember and miss him being Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa Joe, Brother Joe, Uncle Joe, Cousin Joe and simply Joe. We thank him for everything and may he find peace and joy in his Heavenly home. Rosary and wake services will be Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 6:40 p.m. at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Harrah. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 7, 2007 at St. Teresa Catholic Church with Father Alan Loth celebrant with interment at St. Teresa Catholic Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Smith-Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.