Joe Linskens, R.I.P.

I recently learned of the passing of an avid reader of this blog

and a dear friend. Joe Linskens, an 84-year-old retired Army

National Guard soldier who attained the rank of Master Sergeant

then later a Master Machinist at Kearney & Trecker, was a frequent 

visit to the Elm Grove (WI) Library, as was I when I lived nearby the

library in an adjacent part of Wauwatosa, and thus we met. 

We became fast friends, with much in common despite our ages;

Joe was a fellow conservative and didn't have time for the 

spinelessness and craven behavior of more than a few in the 

Republican Party; not standing up for conservative principles,

always looking for an easy out invariably leading to compromises

amounting to giving in to the Democrats, and your favorite Peasant

sharing the same frustrations. 

Joe recommended some wonderful books on politics, banking,

and our economy to me, while I introduced Joe to my blog,

of which he became a faithful and constant reader. Sometimes he

would enjoy a post so much that he'd give me a twenty-dollar bill

to go out and buy myself a wonderful lunch or dinner. It was the 

first money that I would make with my blog.

We talked about many things: our Catholic faith, the state of our 

country, historical things, and how military life was for Joe.

We also shared a great love for our country, and I thanked him

for his service in the Army National Guard as well as for his 

readership of Peasant With A Pitchfork. I met his charming wife 

Ann, who last I was aware is still around and continuing to live 

in the Elm Grove condominium in which she and Joe lived for 

many years. 

Joe, I can't thank you enough for your friendship, your companionship,

and your stories about your life and times, and certainly for your 

being a constant reader of PWAP, your support and encouragement!

Until it's my turn to receive God's invitation to partake of His 

heavenly hospitality, we shall indeed meet again. See you then!

Requiescat in pace.

MEM