Joseph Edward Srp, 78, of Austin, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at his home.

Joe was born July 5, 1929, at his home on the farm in Oakland. His parents were Joseph and Josephine (Pliml) Srp. Joe graduated from Austin Senior High School. On Sept. 23, 1951, he was united in marriage to Marion Berg in Austin.

Joe and Marion have made Austin their home forever and Joe worked for the college in Austin as a maintenance man until he retired. Joe was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and enjoyed volunteering as an usher many years off and on throughout his life.

Joe enjoyed his family and made them his life. He loved reading, woodworking (he was the best), his computer and mostly making us all laugh.

Survivors include his wife: Marion Srp, Austin; children: Roy (Delores) Srp, Waseca, David (Suzanne) Srp, Glenville, Randy Srp and fiancee Sheila, East Bethel and Barbara (Steve) Wright, Austin; grandchildren: Benjamin (Kristin) Srp, Marisa (Cory) Nagele, Emily Wright, Ian Srp, James Jaminski, Caleb Srp, Isaiah Wright and Kelcey Srp; great- grandchildren: Laney Srp, Piper Srp and Marnie Nagele; sister: Clara (Ralph) Noble, Austin; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank and Chuck; and sisters, Marion and Luella.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home and one half-hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

The casket bearers will be Joe&8217;s grandchildren.

Memorials are preferred to &8220;Capital Appeal&8221; at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.