JOSEPH GEORGE SPYRKA

June 11, 1939 – March 28, 2024

Bakersfield – Joseph George Spyrka, 85, of Bakersfield, California, passed away on March 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on June 11, 1939, in Gleiwitz, Germany, to parents Margaret and George. He was the youngest of four siblings.

Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1963. He was proud of his German heritage and incredibly proud of becoming a United States citizen. Jo Jo was known for his sparkling blue eyes, handsome smile, famous thumb, and angel white hair.

Joe worked as a tool operator in Santa Monica before pursuing the American dream of owning a small business. With his wife, Barbara by his side, they moved and opened Frazier Park Nursery, Florist, and Feed. It became a well known and loved staple in the community for over 20 years.

Upon selling their business, the Spyrka's moved to Bakersfield to be closer to family. Joseph's plans of retirement quickly changed when his daughter needed assistance at her store. Jo Jo, as he was endearingly referred to, became a beloved employee and delivery driver for The Green Thumb. You could say a celebrity of sorts. His love of people and the community was evident the moment you met him.

A devout Catholic, he cherished attending mass at Our Lady of the Snow and St. Francis of Assisi, where he loved to stand outside and listen to the word of the Lord. In addition, family was Joseph's top priority. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his children and especially his treasures, Olivia and Stella.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; daughter, Dorothy; son-inlaw, Mark; son, Bernard; daughter-in-law, Cammie; grandchildren, Olivia, Stella, Brian, and Cash; sisters, Maria and Adeline; nephews, Curt and Harry, and their wives, Jill and Laura. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Herbert.

Much love and thanks to the compassionate team and nurses at Hoffmann Hospice for holding Joseph so close to their hearts during his time of transition.

A Mass will be held at St. Francis Church in Bakersfield, CA, on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis School Athletics, a cause close to Joseph's heart.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara in Bakersfield, California.

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