Joseph E. Navin, Sr.

Joseph E. Navin Sr., 72, of Sioux City passed away peacefully with his family by his side Sunday, April 13, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008 at St.Boniface Catholic Church, with the Rev. Richard Sitzman officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. James Bruch and Rev. Mr. Monty Montagne officiating, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Mr. Navin was born July 20, 1935, in Sioux City, the son of Cornelius L. and Henrietta (Schaul) Navin. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1953 to 1961.

He married Billie Joy (Joyce) Sparks on Sept. 15, 1956, in Sioux City. Joyce passed away May 25, 1985, in Sioux City. He was a switchman and brakeman for Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for 34 years.

He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, the United Transportation Union and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed going on cruises, visiting the Glass Palace, watching baseball, basketball and football on the television and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include five children, Joseph Navin Jr. of Sioux City, Susan Marie (Mark) Oliver of Fayetteville, Ark., Roxanne J. (Bryan) Navin-Edwards of Sioux City, Tanya R. Navin and partner, Mandi of Moville, Iowa, and Christopher L. (Valerie) Navin of Parker, S.D.; a son-in-law, David Lee of Green Bay, Wis.; a special friend, Patricia Halstead of Sioux City; eight grandchildren, Desiree and Shawn Navin, Joshua, Angelika and Emily Lee, Jessica and Ashley Oliver and Blake Navin; a great-granddaughter, Mackenzie Risner; a sister, Peg Roberts; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal companion, Gizmo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, James; a daughter, Vicki Lee; two brothers, Leo and Ronald Navin; a sister, Margene Navin; and a great-grandson, Micheal.