Rochester- Joseph J. Jardas, 72, died peacefully at his home on September 13 after a valiant battle with mesothelioma. Kind and loving husband and best friend of Sharon (Mentel/ Huebner). Proud and loving father of Joe Jardas and Jennette (Mark) Knoblauch. Loving step-father of Kim Netzer and Wendy (Ari) Gertler. Loving grandpa of Olivia, Emma and Isabelle Jardas; Claire, Jonathan, Lydia, and Benjamin Knoblauch; Lauren Sutor and Kaitlyn Netzer. Dear brother of Jack (Karen) Jardas and Diane (Richard) Thiede. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Jardas, his mother, Dolores (Rahoy) Jardas, and his sister, Darlene Pickle. Further survived by nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Joe served in the U.S. Navy for 4 ½ years as a Boiler Tender 3rd Class during the Vietnam War on the USS Coontz. He was a very active member of the VFW Post 11038 of Rochester, WI serving as the Post Chaplain and helping significantly with fund raising. He was a former member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Pewaukee. He also served St. Peter's Lutheran Church for many years as an usher and grounds keeper.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 145 S. 6th Street, in Waterford on Friday, September 16 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Funeral service will begin at 5:30 pm. Inurnment with full military honors will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Monday, September 19 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to either St. Peter's Lutheran Church or Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Burlington.