Joe R. Marez's Obituary
Joe R. Marez1SG U.S. ARMY (RET)Joe R. Marez, our hero, passed away on December 15, 2003 of complications due to a heart attack.He was born September 27, 1931 in Encino, NM. At the young age of 16, he entered the Army and soon found himself in the Korean War. He was wounded in the Battle of Chipyong-Ni, and earned the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. Later, he fought hostile forces in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Meda1. He was also awarded the Combat InfantrymanÂ's Badge for both conflicts. Joe retired from the Army in 1968 and began another career at McNeil Island Correctional Facility, where he retired again in 1995. Since his second retirement, he became Honorary 1 SG, and acting SGM, B Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Elouise and daughter, Valerie. He is survived by daughters, Crestina, Tacoma; Tina Nystrom, Olympia; sons, Mark, Fontana, CA; Anthony, Vancouver, WA; Kevin, San Diego, CA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends.A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2003 at Mountain ViewÂ's Garden Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the 1st BN, 23rd INF, Family Support Group, Fort Lewis, WA 98433.
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