Dr. Joseph "Joe" Fratianni, 86, of Clinton, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 23. Honoring his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial service will take place on Sunday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m. at Lemke Funeral Homes - South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Drive). A Visitation will occur one hour prior to the Memorial service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place at a later date. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Joe was born June 20, 1930 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of Joseph and Angela (Samale) Fratianni. He was a 1948 graduate of Cambridge High School. He achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Bridgewater State University in 1952. He would later acquire a Masters and then a PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1979. Joe was united in marriage to Lisa Dwire on June 30, 1992 in Morrison, Illinois.
Joe was a First Lieutenant in the Massachusetts National Guard. He also played semi-pro baseball in Massachusetts.
Joe began his career teaching Math in Massachusetts. He was later employed with the University of Northern Iowa as a Student Teacher Coordinator for Clinton and the surrounding area and would later teach golf at Scott Community College and Mount St. Clare College.
Joe loved playing the piano, playing by ear, as well as playing the accordion. He was fond of spending his free time building things. He also loved watching sports and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Joe was an avid Bridge player, playing up until the time the good Lord called him home.
Joe is survived by his wife Lisa of 25 years; his children – John Fratianni of Kasson, MN, Beth (Rue) Riley of Chatfield, MN, Joseph (Mary) Fratianni of West Des Moines, IA and Lyndsi (Tom) Godat of Clinton, IA; Grandchildren, Sal, Seppe, Sam, Ann, Olvia, Lauren, and Talon, one sister – Rose Fox of Boca Raton, FL; with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding Joe in death were his parents, one sister – Jean and one brother – Gaetano
Lisa would like to thank all of Joe's friends for supporting them during this difficult time and a special thank you to his niece Gina.
Memorials made can be directed to the wishes of the family.

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