Joseph Elmer Schlecht

Joseph E. Schlecht, 86, of Bellevue, entered into the eternal gates of heaven now known as his new Hoot Owl Holler on Saturday morning, March 24, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of Jackson County.A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 4:00PM, Tuesday evening, March 27, at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue. Visitation for Joe will be held Monday evening from 4:00 7:00pm at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bellevue and again Tuesday prior to the service from 2:30 - 3:30PM at the church. Joe was born on June 20, 1931, in Bellevue, Iowa, son of Elmer and Mildred (Brown) Schlecht. He married JoAnn Wenzel on May 31, 1954. To all who knew him, Joe had a very unique humor and by golly, if he didnt have a joke for everyone he spoke to. In Joes earlier years he worked at Clinton Engines, farmed for many years and later worked as a security guard. Joe was a veteran of the Korean War, a member of the Preston Amvets and Bellevue American Legion Post #273.He enjoyed painting buildings and farm equipment with his two sons. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and playing the part of Santa Claus for many years. He performed as (The Mooney Holler Moon Shiners). His pride and joy for the past 25 years has been Hoot Owl Holler.Those left to honor his memory include his wife JoAnn of 63 years; daughter, Paula (Gus) Leavens, of Chadwick, Illinois; two sons, George (Cindy) Schlecht, of Bellevue and Frank (June) Schlecht, of Clinton; six grandchildren, Laurie (Steve) Schroeder, Erin (Alfie) Mohr, Brandon (Kerissa) Schlecht, Mathew (Ashley) Schlecht, David Schlecht and Kimberly Schlecht; nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; and a sister, Rita Weigert. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Richard. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com