Joseph was born in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Adeline (Hruby) Vocelka. He lived and went to school in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Joseph was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Gansberg on June 24, 1950.
Joseph was the ultimate entrepreneur/explorer and was never afraid to take a risk with Barbara always at his side. He owned and operated York Auto Body in Hinsdale, IL from 1954 to 1958. In 1958 Joseph and Barbara purchased a resort in western Ontario, Canada, and they moved their family to Lost Bay Resort on Cliff Lake. The family operated the resort for 10 years. During this time Joseph also operated an auto body shop in Brookfield, IL and later an auto body shop in St. Germain, WI.
In 1969 Joseph and Barbara purchased a small ranch in Lodgegrass, MT and raised a small herd of hereford cattle. In 1971, wishing to expand, Joseph and Barbara purchased 12 sections of ranch land 30 miles west of Miles City, MT. They named the ranch Black Canyon Ranch and held the J bar B brand. There the family built a home, outbuildings, holding and feed pens with lumber cut from the ranch land trees, and ran a successful 500-head cow/calf beef operation.
In 1974 Joseph was on the move again, attracted to the rich farm land of Minnesota. Purchasing the Spangler farm in Menahga, the family farmed and milked cows on the land that is still in the family today.
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In 1976 Joseph and his sons bought property west of Park Rapids and started Autocraft Body Shop that is still family-owned and operated today.
In the '80s and '90s, Joseph and Barbara built several homes in Canada, spending their summers in Canada and winters in Park Rapids. Joseph retired and lived on the farm in Menahga during the winters and later full-time. Even though he was retired, he spent many days at Autocraft restoring his old cars, watching over the boys and visiting with customers.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and his parents, Joseph Sr. and Adeline Vocelka.
Joseph is survived by his children David & Karen (Albrecht) Vocelka, Candy Parks (Deni), Joseph Gary Vocelka, Cheryl (Bob) Carlson; 12 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.
Graveside services are planned for next summer where Joe and Barb will be laid to rest together... and on to a new adventure.
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