Rev. Joseph Shimko, 81, of Ottumwa, IA died at 6:12 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

Joe was born April 6, 1943, in Latrobe, PA to Joseph Earl and Hilda Jensen Shimko. He married Patricia May Mackrill July 3, 1965, at the Church of the Nazarene in Kearney. Growing up in Wyoming and Nebraska, Joe graduated high school in Edgar, and college from Southern Nazarene University. He pastored in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Pennsylvania for 16 years through the Church of the Nazarene, and 23 years through the Free Methodist Church, retiring in 2012. After retiring, he and his wife moved back to Ottumwa where they had pastored Pennsylvania Ave. Free Methodist Church.

Rev. Shimko’s calling was to revitalize churches wherever he was appointed and to build up and help people find their place in the church and the world. He held leadership positions at each church conference he was involved with and was a huge supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Patricia; children, Sonya Lutz of Ottumwa, IA, Joseph James (Vicki) Shimko of Niceville, FL, and Angela (Scott) Stewart of Chandler, OK; nine grandchildren, David Lutz, Mackenzie Shimko, Caleb Shimko, Jonathan Shimko, Abby Shimko, Danielle Beach, Britni Stewart, Scotty Stewart and Sydney Stewart; great-granddaughter, Bobbie May Beach; brothers, Frank (Elli) Shimko of Massachusetts, John (Julie) Shimko of Urbandale, IA, and Andrew (Faith) Shimko of Wichita, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mike Shimko.

His body was cremated. Memorial services were on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Pennsylvania Ave. Free Methodist Church in Ottumwa, IA.

Memorials may be made to Pennsylvania Ave. Free Methodist Church or to his family.