SHERIDAN -- Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date for Joseph William Zowada, 78, who died Oct. 18, 2007, at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

He was born in Sheridan on July 19, 1929, to Joseph and Nellie Zowada. He graduated from Sheridan High School and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in teaching from Chadron State University in Chadron, Neb.

While at Chadron, he was an All-American football player and held the rushing record for 37 years.

He married Blanche Dubois.

In addition to his passion for teaching, he worked as a meat cutter and expressed his entrepreneurial spirit as part owner of the Sheridan Inn from 1959 to 1965.

He enjoyed hunting.

Survivors include his two children, Diana Hoover and her husband of Sheridan and Mike Zowada and his wife of Pinson, Tenn.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and his brother, Larry Zowada of Downey, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials in his name to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Casper Star-Tribune - October 19, 2007