Joseph died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family members. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is predeceased by father Joseph, mother Agnes, brother Emil and sister Jarmila, beloved wife Mildred Irene Plicka (married 62 years) & daughter Judith Plicka. He is survived by 4 children Joseph Lee (Sally), Susan (Ken), Patrick (Alyssa) & Timothy (Brenda), 6 grandchildren & 17 great-grandchildren.

An active member of Beth-El Baptist Church in Morgan Hill, CA, his faith in Jesus Christ was a major force in his life and provided him great calm & serenity, also knowing he'd be joining his wife Mildred in Heaven. His love for scriptures was the central part of his life, providing inspiration to family and friends.

Joseph was born in Chicago, IL on April 29, 1930. He married his teenage sweetheart Mildred Irene Schoenfeld in 1952. He worked at Raytheon Corp in Chicago, transferring to northern California, settling in Saratoga, CA in 1966, retiring in 1992 after 37 years of service, ultimately settling in Gilroy in 1997.

Joseph joins his wife Mildred and daughter Judy in Heaven, as his body will be laid to rest at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, CA during a private burial. A celebration of his life, open to family and friends, will be held at Beth-El Baptist Church (HWY 101 & Tennant Ave. in Morgan Hill) on Saturday December 15 at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Joseph's memory may be made to Beth-El Baptist Church or preferred charity