Joseph E. Kukolla

Joseph E. Kukolla, 88, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2015. He was born to Walter and Lucy (Smick) Kukolla in Decatur, Illinois.
A Peoria Central graduate, Joe enlisted in the Navy Air Corps in 1943 and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II. His sales career included the music business, where he worked with RCA, United Artists, Capitol and Blue Note recording companies. In 1955, he met the love of his life, his "ever-loving," Evelyn P. Parr. They married in Peoria in 1956 and established their home in St. Philomena Parish. They welcomed three sons to their family: Joseph II, Steve, and Jim. Joe moved his family to Indianapolis in 1973 with the music business and they settled in St. Lawrence Parish. Joe met and retained many lifelong friends at St. Lawrence who richly blessed him. Joe was a devoted volunteer to St. Lawrence, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree and Faithful Navigator, past president of the Lawrence Optimists Club, member of the VFW and American Legion, and the Indianapolis Gun Club, where he enjoyed skeet shooting. Joe was a founding member of the Lawrence Soccer Association and the soccer program at Lawrence Park. An avid outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially during his retirement.
He is survived by his sons, Joe (Julie), Steve (Suzanne), and Jim; two grandchildren, Joseph III and Jane Elisabeth; and many nieces & nephews. His parents, wife, and three sisters predeceased him. He and Evelyn happily celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June 2012.
Calling will be at 9:30 am on Friday, October 23, 2015 with the funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 N. Shadeland Avenue, in Indianapolis. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis.