Joe Doubek was born on August 04, 1930, in Chicago Illinois to Ethel and Joseph Doubek. He passed away peacefully at the family home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 02, 2026, after a six-year battle with cancer. Joe and his brother Bob enjoyed their school years in Woodstock, Illinois, living with their aunt and uncle Mabel and Lyle Thompson on their dairy farm. He attended MIT and the University of Colorado and served in the U.S. army during the Korean war.
Joe met his wife Lavonne Glynn in Chicago. They were married on December 27th 1958. His work in defense systems took them to Denver and finally to Salt Lake City where they settled and raised their family.
Joe was a man who loved life. He is survived by his wife Lavonne as well as their children Laura (Mark) Doubek-Kraft, Paul (Cate), Curtis (Patti), Anne (Carolyn), Brian (Liz) and Joe (Andrea). Joe and Lavonne have ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Joe was a devoted father who worked hard to support his family and spent many hours teaching them about his love of the outdoors through skiing and sailing. He was also devoted to his religion and attended the St. Ambrose Catholic Church. He valued looking after his health and took care to eat well, exercise regularly, and keep an optimistic attitude. He has inspired his kids to do the same. He was known for his intelligence, his quick wit, and his sense of humor.
One of his great passions in life was flying single engine aircraft. As a licensed pilot, he served in the Civil Air Patrol for over 25 years and earned the rank of 1st lieutenant as well as many commendations for his service. After he could no longer fly physical airplanes, he continued to fly on his home flight simulator.
Joe lived a long life and contributed to family, community, work and faith. He is deeply missed by his loved ones. He can now enjoy flying with his brother Bob, who preceded him in death, and was also a pilot. If you see a glint in the sky, that could be the two of them, tipping the wings of the aircraft in your direction.
Services to be held at a later date.
