Joseph E. McCabe

McCOOK LAKE, S.D. -- Joseph Eugene McCabe, 47, of McCook Lake went to be with his Lord and the members of his heavenly family on Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, at Indian Hills Nursing and Rehab Center in Sioux City, in the presence of his family.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, with the Rev. David Liewer officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Newcastle, Neb. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Joseph was born Oct. 14, 1959, in Sioux City, to Michael and Mary (Rohan) McCabe, the youngest of five children. He attended Newcastle Public School, graduating in 1978. He was an outstanding athlete. As a very young man, Joe expressed that his greatest wish in life was to have a family of his own.

This goal was realized when he married Shanin Chase on Feb. 23, 1985, in Newcastle. They were later blessed with three sons. Joe was employed at Menu Foods for the past 17 years. He suffered a massive stroke (cerebral hemorrhage) on July 3, which eventually took his life.

He enjoyed coaching the St. Mike's CYO football and basketball teams for many years and was recently honored by being named the first "Most Valuable Parent" by the Iowa Sports Connection for his outstanding commitment, fairness and success with these teams. His influence with these young men will be felt for many years to come. Along with his family, Joe enjoyed boating, weight lifting, Notre Dame and Nebraska football, fantasy football, hunting, fishing, Jimmy Buffet concerts, maintaining his home and yard and his precious Pugs, Bailey and Maggie "the girls." Joe touched many lives and was known and respected for meeting challenges head-on with common sense and honesty. Some of his fondest memories were growing up on his beloved family farm south of Newcastle.

He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Third Degree Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish his memory and earthly life are his wife, Shanin of McCook Lake; three sons, Clayton, attending Wayne State College, Ryan, attending the University of Nebraska and Joel, a student at Bishop Heelan High School; a brother, Don McCabe and his wife, Katie and their children, Kevin, Tim and Molly of Lincoln, Neb.; two sisters, Sheila Bielak and her husband, John and their children, Justin and Jennifer of Kansas City, Mo. and Mary Ann Pfister and her husband, Cy and their children, Jason, Danny and his wife, Whitney, Erin, Michael and Patrick of South Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Micky.

Pallbearers will be Jason, Danny, Michael and Patrick Pfister, Kevin and Tim McCabe, Justin Bielak, Michael McDonald, Eric, Chris and Brett Chase and Ben McElwain.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.