Obituary of Joseph Monkelbaan

Joseph P. Monkelbaan passed away December 2, 2011 in Buffalo General Hospital. Born March 28, 1948 in North Tonawanda he is the son of Elvira G. (Holland) Monkelbaan and the late Joseph R. Monkelbaan. Joe graduated from Starpoint Central School in 1966 and attended Colorado State University to pursue a career in forestry. After spending a year in Colorado he joined the Navy during the Vietnam War. He received a Performance Citation for his dedication during his service as a squad leader for G Division flight deck ordinance crew on the USS Kitty Hawk. After 4 years of active duty in the Navy and 2 years in the Naval reserve he was discharged in 1973. Once back home he worked a variety of jobs and eventually found his way to Newfane Lumber, a family-owned business. A man with a strong work ethic, he took great pride in his performance and the job that he did. Joe was an intensely private man with a wry sense of humor and a strong sense of family. He enjoyed nature and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Watching Yankees baseball, Oakland Raiders football, and Toronto Maple Leafs hockey along with lunch or dinner with friends at LaPorts Restaurant were some of his favorite pastimes. Besides his mother Joseph is survived by his siblings Joan (Fred) Brickell, Kathy (Ken) Brickell and Nancy (Chuck) Coleman; uncle of Tammy (Jim) Carter, Cyndi (Ken Ziolkowski) Brickell, Steven (Heidi) Coleman, Matthew (Jill Burt) Coleman, and Wendy (Frank) Esposito; also a great niece and several great nephews. Relatives and Friends may call Tuesday 3-7 PM in Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 12:30PM. Donations to V F W Post 2535, 112 Caledonia Street, Lockport, NY 14094. <h3>Visitation</h3> Relatives and Friends may call Tuesday 3-7 PM <h3>Services</h3> Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday at 12:30PM.