Joseph C. Roark, 85, of Spearfish, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Dorsett Regional Senior Care.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2010, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish, with Pastors Stillson and Matuska officiating. Inurnment at Black Hills National Cemetery, with full Military Honors, will be held at a later date.

Joe was born on August 9, 1924, to Charles and Anna (Cougran) Roark in Barron County, WI. Following his graduation from Rice Lake (WI) High School in 1943, he served in the United States Navy from 1943-1946. Joe married Lillian Foss at Rice Lake on May 31, 1947. Along with other employment, Joe served on the Rice Lake Police Force, until moving to Lead, SD in 1952, where he worked for Homestake Mining Company. The family moved to Mitchell, SD in 1959, where Joe served as a technician with the South Dakota National Guard. He continued his career of civil service at Mitchell, SD, Lincoln, NE, and Lacey, WA, until retiring in 1984.

Joe served with the National Guard in WI and SD for over 24 years; he was an outstanding marksman in rifle and pistol competitions. In 1977 Joe received the Army Commendation Medal.

The Roarks retired to Spearfish, SD in 1985. Joe was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 164, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He held offices with the American Legion, NARFE, and the Mitchell Federal Credit Union, and served as a church deacon, trustee, and building committee member in various communities. For many years, Joe was a member of the Our Savior's Lutheran "Fix-It" group.

Joe had a true love for God, country, family, and friends. In 1988 he was reunited with three Navy buddies and those reunions were a highlight of his later years, as were his high school reunions. From an early age he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, of Spearfish; his daughter, Susan (Edward) Waldron of Tampa, FL; his son, Bradford (Barbara Nelson) Roark of Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Nathan Roark and Christine Roark (Adi Salehuddin); a step-grandson, Aaron Waldron; a nephew, and several cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Friends may greet the family beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Hospice of the Northern Hills; American Diabetes Association; or Our Savior's Lutheran Church "Fix-It" Group.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.