Hayek, Joseph Mathias 1949 - 2026

HAYEK, SOLOMON, KOHL, ANDERA, KAPLER, TIPTON, STEFFEN, BLAESS, DIERKS, STRUM, RUIZ, RICE, MAAS, WILLIAMS, BURKE, HOLLAND, MCKAY, HODGES, HAYEK-KAPPES, BALDWIN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/3/2026 at 12:46:29

Joseph “Joe” Mathias Hayek, 77, of Dunnellon, Florida, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 19, 2026, in Ocala, Florida. Born on February 13, 1949, in Cresco, Iowa, Joe lived a life marked by service, hard work, and an unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed him.
A 1967 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1971. In February 1970, he married Shirley Solomon and had 4 wonderful children, Jodi, Susan, Michael, and Jonathan. After returning home to Cresco, Joe began a long and dedicated career at Donaldson, where he worked until his retirement.
On February 13, 2004, he married Charlene Kohl, with whom he shared many years of companionship. Joe and Char purchased a home in Dunnellon, Florida, embracing the sunshine and a new chapter of life.
Joe was a true jack of all trades—equally at home under the hood of a car, repairing a house, or collecting metal. His hands were rarely still, and his resourcefulness was matched only by his generosity. If something was broken, Joe could fix it; if someone needed help, Joe showed up.
Joe is survived by his sons, Michael (Deana) Hayek and Jon (Fran) Hayek; his siblings JoAnn (Jerry) Andera, Joyce (Gene) Kapler, Jaci (Michael) Tipton, Jane (Cal) Steffen, Julie Hayek, Jerome Hayek, and Jean (Star) Hayek; Grandchildren: Alex (Brittany) Blaess, Bethany (TJ Dierks) Blaess, CaLee (Mark) Andera, Danielle (Tony) Strum, Codey (Brittany) Hayek, Benjamin Hayek, Penelope Hayek, Dairian (Josh) Ruiz, Devin Rice, Angelina (Riley) Maas, Emma Hayek, William Hayek, Griffin Hayek. Great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Hayek, Adyn Blaess, Xavier Blaess, Lucian Blaess, Addysn Blaess, Susan Blaess, Noel Blaess, Bryson Williams, Carson Blaess, Sawyer Burke, Sophie Holland, Scarlet Holland, Alianna Ruiz, Graham McKay, Hailey Strum, Deklyn Dierks and one on the way who will carry forward his stories, his humor, and his spirit.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Dolores Hayek; siblings John Hayek, Jay Hayek, Adolph Jr. Hayek, Jim Hayek, Janet Hodges and Julius Hayek; his wife, Charlene Hayek; and his daughters, Jodi Hayek-Kappes and Susan Baldwin.
Joe will be remembered for his steady presence, his practical wisdom, and the quiet strength he brought to every chapter of his life.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date in Cresco, Iowa, where family and friends will gather to honor a man who gave much and asked for little.

Source Cresco Times Apr. 1, 2026