Joseph Mathew Firsching

May 2, 1925 - October 17, 2014

Joseph “Joe” Matthew Firsching, 89, of Mason City, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 17, 2014 with his family by his side. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am with a one hour prior visitation on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th ST SE, Mason City. Father Rodney Allers will be officiating. Inurnment will follow at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Those planning on expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Joseph Firsching Memorial fund. Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com Joe was born on May 2, 1925, the son of George and Theresa (Biederer) Firsching in Stacyville, Iowa. He attended a one room school house in rural Mitchell County. On May 25, 1949, he married the love of his life, Helen Elizabeth Heinzerling, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Joe spent a lifetime in agriculture, working for 23 years at Decker Farms south of Mason City. In 1975 they moved to Taopi Minnesota and farmed there until his retirement in 1985. Joe and Helen returned to Mason City where Joe continued farming on a part time basis until his passing. He worked for Darrell Nielson, Chuck Grove, and the Furleigh Farms all of Clear Lake. Joe was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1960. He was an avid reader and loved camping, fishing and playing cards with friends. Joe also enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. Those left to honor his memory are his children, John (Sandi) Firsching of Webster City, Dennis (Sue) Firsching of Mason City, Mary (Leon) Thomas of Mason City, and Jean Oimoen of Rockford; nine grandchildren; Jeffrey Firsching, William (Jodene) Firsching, Chad (Kelly) Firsching, Matthew (Jackie) Firsching, Dylan (Annie) Thomas, Derek (Sara) Thomas, Alyssa Thomas, Robin (Will) Esclusa and Michael Oimoen; nine great-grandchildren, Isaac and Luke Firsching, Russell Firsching, Dylan Firsching, Cole Thomas, Weston Thomas, Kaitlyn Lester, Eric Pals and Victor Esclusa; two sisters, Gertrude Retterath of Austin, MN and Teresa Ungaro of San Pedro, CA; sisters in law, Betty Vaage and Barbara Alice Heinzerling, both of Mason City, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Helen; brothers Lawrance, John, George; and sisters Rose Rauen, Margaret Schmitt, Alma Retterath, and Laura Firsching Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 2nd St SE, Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-8676 www.Fullertonfh.com