euskalkultura.eus

28/04/2017 - Reno, Nevada, EEUU

(Elko, Nevada,19-08-1925 - Reno, Nevada 28-04-2017)

(obituario publicado en Reno Gazette-Journal, Legacy.com)

After a full life of 91 years, Joe Anxo passed away of natural causes the evening of April 28, 2017. His family surrounded him as he made his journey home.

Joe was born on August 19, 1925 in Elko, Nevada to his parents, John Cadet and Jeanne Marie Anxo, both French-Basque immigrants. Joe and his sister, Mary, grew up in majestic central Nevada, sheep ranching on Willow Creek Ranch and living in Eureka, NV during the school year. There were blessings and hardships growing up at this time in rural Nevada. As a 5 year-old, Joe was injured in an accident, which ultimately resulted in the amputation of his lower right leg. The nearest comprehensive medical care was in Salt Lake City. One might speculate that this injury formed him in many ways. Perseverance and optimism defined him throughout his life. 

Joe met his wife, Iris DePaoli while living in Eureka and they were married in Reno in 1959. Reno became their home where they raised their two children, John and Judi. Joe was a dedicated husband and father, always joyfully providing for his family with his time, generosity and love. 

Joe enjoyed a rewarding career in heavy equipment sales. Along with trusted partners and friends, Graid equipment was formed. Through his career as an equipment salesman, Joe met many of his lifelong friends. He never met a stranger. Many pieces of equipment in the deepest corners of Nevada may have a Graid sticker attached, a sure sign "Joe was here." Some may not know you can travel from Owyhee to Searchlight and never leave dirt roads, Joe would know the way to every mine in between, dust billowing behind him, cigar in hand. Long into "retirement" Joe continued to buy and sell equipment from his kitchen table desk.

Being a family man was Joe's greatest joy. 

Joe and Iris were blessed to share their lives in Reno with their children and grandchildren until their passing. They were elated when the whole family was together, and especially in a front row bleacher rooting on their grandchildren in any competition. Joe was also an avid Wolfpack fan. He started attending games of every sport when he moved to Reno in 1948, held season tickets for more than 50 years, and went to his last game this past year.

Joe was a devout man, enjoying his lifelong connection to his Catholic faith. He was surrounded by many friends in his beloved Our Lady of the Snows parish and cherished his friendship with the Carmelite sisters. If a person can be judged by the company he keeps, Joe was in good shape. The enormous group of people he called "friend" represent a core of amazing people that make this great community home. His joy in greeting his male friends was always felt with a firm slap on the back.

Since Iris' passing in 2013, Joe lived at 5 Star Premier, where he made more friends who added joy to every day and helped to fill the void of his constant companion.

Reno will be a little more subdued in his absence, and Heaven will rejoice. Days before he passed, he said Iris is excited to see him. This was great comfort to those that remain here. 

Joe was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Iris (2013), and his sister Mary DiPietro(1980). He is survived by his son, John (Yvonne), his daughter, Judi Wieland (David), and six grandchildren; Dominic Anxo (Tassiana), Grace Reece (Kevin), Sofia Anxo, Joe Wieland (Beth), Taylor Wieland and Matthew Wieland, several nephews and a niece. Being asked, "Are you related to Joe?" was a question to which we all proudly answered "Yes!" This will never change.

A joyful celebration of the life of this great man will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Our Lady of the Snows Church. Recitation of the rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow (approx. 11:00 a.m.). This will be a celebration of life, black attire most definitely optional. In lieu of flowers, Joe requested support of Sister Carmen's charities at Our Lady of the Snows, 1138 Wright St. Reno, NV 89509.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mountain View Mortuary.

(Published from May 5 to May 10, 2017 in Reno Gazette-Journal, Legacy.com)