Joseph Hovorka

Joseph Jerome Hovorka, 86, of Topeka, Kansas passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 9, 2026, after receiving last rites. Born on August 21, 1939, Joe was the fourth child of Dr. Joseph John Hovorka and Edmonia Lee “Eddie Lee” (Colvin). His father, a surgeon, met Eddie Lee while working at the Hertzler Clinic in Halstead, Kansas in the 1920s; the family later moved to Emporia where Joe was born. His parents’ deep commitment to community and the Catholic Church shaped Joe’s life. He grew up alongside his older siblings Mary, Sally, and Jack. Joe was an avid hunter, Boy Scout, altar server, and active in sports and school plays. Joe often recalled childhood years in Destin, Florida, where his father was stationed as a military surgeon during WWII. At age 16, he had a unique opportunity to tour Alaska, where he wrestled mountain lions, surveyed the Arctic Circle, and had many other adventures over a course of six weeks. Joe attended Emporia State University, joining Sigma Phi Epsilon, Navy ROTC, and the Newman Club. He began in law but found his true calling in history. Through the Newman Club, he met Ruth Julane Wells whose warmth and spirit he won with sincerity, humor, and charm. They married on June 22, 1963, in Julane's hometown of Pratt, Kansas, and spent a romantic honeymoon on Bemidji Lake, Minnesota before beginning teaching careers in Topeka. Shortly after, Joe and Julane spent a memorable summer-long honeymoon in Europe cementing their shared love of travel. Mementos and photos from that trip remain family treasures. Their shared faith and love of family sustained a marriage of more than 62 years. Joe and Julane raised four children — John (Wendy) Hovorka, Anna (Michael) Ramirez, Susan (Scott) Martin, and Mary (Mark) Brazier — and were active parishioners at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He and Julane were active in Marriage Encounter and Light of the World church ministries. Additionally, Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as an altar server with his son, and was a faithful Eucharistic adorer. Joe was active in numerous community organizations, including the stewardship of the Shunganunga Creek that bordered his backyard as an elected board member of the creek Drainage Board. He put his family first, sharing household duties and modeling equality and devotion. A lifelong learner and devoted teacher, Joe loved history — especially the Civil War and WWII — and brought stories to life for students and his children. He loved woodworking and furniture refinishing projects. He loved talking about his kids, especially their personal accomplishments and that they all practice their Catholic faith. He enjoyed golf, current events, movies, folk music, travel with Julane, cooking his special spaghetti sauce, and baking breads, and cookies. He and Julane loved spending time with family and guests, often hosting fondue nights, stellar steak barbecues, and rollicking game nights of bridge and charades. He doted on his twelve grandchildren, Maureen, Zach, Gus (Julia), Joseph, Jack, Max (Ale), George, Gloria, RJ, Rachel, Con, and Viggo. Joe was known for his gregarious nature, dry wit, colorful language, irreverent humor, and a remarkable gift for conversation. In recent years he faced significant health challenges — heart disease, Type II diabetes, necrotizing fasciitis, and dementia — and was lovingly cared for by Julane, Anna, Michael, Maureen, and many devoted family members and friends. Their care and his courage during this time were a testament to faith and family. The family wishes to express gratitude to The Gardens at Aldersgate, especially the staff on the TCU Unit. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; and extended family and friends who will miss his storytelling and warmth. While the family is saddened by his loss and assured in his salvation, they humbly request prayers for his soul. Joseph’s family will greet friends Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS, 66604. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m. at the Church. Burial will take place at Noon on Saturday, March 14, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Pratt KS, 1402 Stout Street, Pratt KS 67124. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Schola Cantorum and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614 Condolences may be send online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Joseph Hovorka

August 21, 1939 - March 9, 2026