Joseph Odell Tognini, born Aug. 26, 1932, passed away Nov. 30, 2007, at the age of 75 at the Carson Tahoe Hospital.
Born to Joseph O. Tognini and Norma Estella in Elko, Nev. Joseph started school in Eureka, Nev., and finished high school in Carlin,Nev. He worked a short while for the Southern Pacific Railroad, before enlisting in the Army to serve in the Korean War.
After an honorable discharge, Joe returned to Nevada to work with the Nevada Department of Transportation. After over 30 years of loyal service, he retired as a resident engineer.
In addition to being an accomplished taxidermist, he was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandson, Daniel Bridges. Joe's fondest wish was to help Daniel bag his first deer, which they achieved this year when both bagged four-point bucks.
He was a lifetime Member of Nevada Historical Society, NRA and a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars.
Joe is survived by his mother, Norma Jurey; brother, Jack Tognini; daughter, Kathleen Zinsli; granddaughter, Josie Grasseth; great-granddaughter, Melodee Grasseth; step-daughters Shannon Dickey and Sheila Bridges; and grandson, Daniel Bridges.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph O. Tognini; brother, Norman (Buddy) Tognini; daughter, Lori Tognini; wife, Ruth Tognini; step-father, Herbert Jurey.
Joe was laid to rest Dec. 10, 2007, Carlin Cemetery during a family service. Walton's Chapel of the Valley was entrusted with final arrangements.