The Daily News-May 2002 FLOREK, Joseph Edward Age 76, died at his Cathlamet home. He was born in Elma, Wash., to Samuel and Anna Florek. The family moved to the Elochoman Valley in the Cathlamet area when he was 2. He graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1944, where he played football. He owned his own business, Joe Florek Logging, founded in 1946. As young men, his sons worked with him in the company. In 1978, the business was incorporated and the name changed to Joe Florek, Ltd. His sons continue to run the business. He also farmed the family homestead, working at his tree farm and raising beef. He was a member of the Elochoman Grange, the Conservation District, Wahkiakum Planning Commission, Cowlitz Valley Music Association and served as Wahkiakum County Commissioner from 1980 to 1988. He enjoyed his family, pets, farm and tree farm. He married Corliss Sotka on Nov. 12, 1950. She survives him at home. Also surviving are five sons, Joe Florek, Jr., John Florek and Jerrold Florek, all of Cathlamet, Jim Florek of Longview and Ken Florek of Castle Rock; three daughters, Carolyn Ream of Salem, Kathy Tarabochia of Olympia and Kristy Florek of Portland; a sister, Wanda Tienhaara of Molalla, Ore.; 14 grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews. Dowling Funeral Home was in charge. Greenwood Cemetery-Cathlamet, Wa. 19 Sep 1925-17 May 2002 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society 2007 from original newspaper collection.)