Obituary of Joseph Stanzak

Joe grew up in Michigan on the water where his passion for fishing was established. His family moved to southern California where he pursued athletics – wrestling and playing tennis at Cal State Fullerton. A cowboy at heart he found his way to Idaho where the story goes, “I was thrown from a horse and woke up married to a Mormon nurse!” He graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1984 and was a local attorney. Due to health concerns, he closed his practice but maintained his license for his many family and friends that needed advice… or didn’t. He was not afraid to tell it like it is or show you the right way of doing things. He was a man of strong opinion, argument, and laughter. He was known to repeat phrases like, “you can walk over here but you’ll be limpin’ back; learn good things; and be happy, healthy and safe.” He was a dog whisperer with many talents from playing and singing guitar, reloading ammunition, to leatherwork and woodworking. He was famous for his sourdough bread though he had to paint the house with flour to make it. He left a mess, a dirt trail, an overwhelming impression of, “What in the hell was he talking about?” But most importantly he aimed to leave you with a smile. He lived to make others laugh no matter how goofy he had to act. We will truly miss joining our laughter with his. Joe is survived by his wife Denise and children Nick (Haylee), Alesha (Jeremy), Danielle (Nic), and Tasha (Luna); grandchildren Sylvee, Charlee, Lily, Harold, and Benedict; his father Ronald (Lorraine) and brother David (Margo). A service will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday February 20th at 4pm.