Joseph Leonard Piekarski, 73, of Denton, TX, passed away at his home, on January 25, 2022. He was born August of 1948, in Harvey, Illinois to Leonard and Charlene Piekarski.

Joe attended Thornton Township High School, in Harvey, Illinois. Prior to entering the Army, in February of 1968, he served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in February of 1971. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1968. Together they had five children (three daughters and two sons).

After his time in the Army, Joe went to work for Union Pacific Railroad. He had many roles with the railroad and ended his career with BNSF, in Haslet, TX.

Joe was a family man. He enjoyed when family got together and made memories playing games, enjoying sports, and telling stories. Even though he was a man of few words, he loved his family more than anything.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Kim (Tim) Johnson of Billings, MT; Jennifer Stricker of Denton, TX; Karri Cassell of Denton, TX; sons, Scott (Keri) Piekarski of Denton, TX, Bradley (Lori) Piekarski of Ponder, TX; 18 grandchildren - Jesse, Jensen, Jillian; Elizabeth, Taylor, Jessica, Joseph; Korey, Kaitlin, T.J., Brandon; Courtney, Kayleigh; Tyler, Clay, Sean, Maleeya, Camden; 4 great-grandkids; 2 great-great grandkids. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Diane Matthews, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Piekarski; mother, Charlene Piekarski; sister, Judy Matiya.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 31, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 PM, in The Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors, Denton, Texas. Funeral services will follow in the Chapel at 3:00 PM.