Joe Neil Petramala

Joe Neil Petramala, 69, of Swink, Colorado, died at home on December 15, 2011.
He was born in Walsenburg, Colorado, November 26, 1942 to Mike & Frances (McKinnon) Petramala.  The way he told it, his mom was riding a horse trying to run from the Indians, when she went into labor at the same time her horse stopped and had a colt.  He said his mom gave birth, put him on the colt and they all safely out rode the Indians back to the house.  Joe was known for making people laugh.
What made Joe smile was working sunup to sundown on the farm and sheep feedlot that he grew up on.  Caring for animals was a calling and a lifelong passion.
Joe was a La Junta Chamber of Commerce Ag Hall of Fame inductee in 2005, he also rewarded other's enthusiasm toward agriculture by supporting 4-H as a sponsor. He was a staunch supporter of the Arkansas Valley, fighting to protect the Valley's water.  He served on the South Swink Water Board for 34 years, 27 years as President, helping to provide safe, clean drinking water to thousands of people over the years.
In his younger years Joe was an avid rodeoer.  On a horse is where he was most comfortable and it's also how he met the love of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years Janie Petramala and their son Jonathan. Along the way Joe and Janie took in, loved and raised his nephew, Michael Tate Couch, and Janie's nieces, Kerry Baird and Heather Flaig. By birth he only had one child, but many more thought of him as their father. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Buena Theresa.
Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene with Reverend David Flaig of Sun Grove Church in Elk Grove, California officiating.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Joe Petramala Scholarship Foundation through the funeral home.