Josef Predatsch

He was born in Oberstuben, Czechoslovakia, and grew up in Gondelsheim, Germany. As a young man he emigrated to the United States and settled in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he received his certificate of naturalization on March 1, 1955. He served in the United States Air Force April 6, 1954 to March 15, 1958.

Josef married Gerda Maria Stark on August 2, 1957. They shared 69 years together, making their home in Hopewell Junction, New York, for many years before moving to The Villages in February 2007.

Josef spent his career at IBM as a tool and die maker, work that suited his patience, precision, and pride in doing a job properly.

Josef was an avid bowler and kept at it until he was 91. He and Gerda loved to travel, and some of his happiest times were the cruises they took together. He was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Above everything else, he loved his family.

Josef is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gerda; his sons, Roger Predatsch and his wife Margarite, Bruce Predatsch and his wife Kim; his grandchildren, Eric Predatsch and his wife Katelyn (Walck) Predatsch, Kara (Predatsch) Lesinski and her husband Tommy Lesinski, Craig Predatsch and his wife Hannah (Plimack) Predatsch; and his great-grandchildren, Wesley, Claire, and Sylvie.

Josef will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery on October 23, 2026 at 10:30 am. Friends who wish to honor his memory are invited to make a donation in his name to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

(https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org)