Joseph R. Korinek

JOSEPH R. KORINEK, 90, of North Little Rock passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012. He was born in Chicago, Ill. in 1921 and was the son of parents who immigrated from Czechoslovakia in the early 1900's. Joe enlisted as a teenager in the CCCs and served in Jordan Valley, Oregon. A veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army with the 279th Engineer Combat Battalion, serving in the ETO from Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge. Joseph retired from Fagan Company after 28 years of employment and was a proud lifetime member of local No. 155 United Pipe Fitters and Plumber's Union. He was associated with Burns Park Baseball Association for 23 years and in 2005 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Joseph was of the Catholic faith. Joe is survived by his wife of 68 years, Audean Korinek, of North Little Rock; daughter, Judy Austin, of Little Rock; son, Chris Korinek (Cathy) of Greer County, Okla.; two grandsons, Barrett Austin, of Little Rock and Ryan Korinek USAF, of San Antonio, Texas; brother, James Korinek (Gert) of Illinois; sister, Janet Korinek of Illinois; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna Los and Julia Korinek and his brother, Tom Korinek. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Palliative Care Unit of John L. McClellan Veterans Hospital for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior's Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). A graveside service will be held 12 noon, Tuesday at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.