One of Jackson County’s greatest story tellers, Joseph McCarthy, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025. Joe was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and, in honoring his wishes, a private burial is planned.

Joe was born on October 24, 1936, to Gerald and Florence (McLaughlin) McCarthy. He was raised on the family farm near Otter Creek, IA, along with his sister, Norma Jean.

Joe married his soulmate, Margaret Walker, in 1965 and they were blessed with 53 years filled with love and laughter. When they weren’t hunting or attending family members’ sporting events, they were hosting the most fun-filled get-togethers. Everyone was always welcomed, and a good time was had by all! We will fondly remember Joe’s farewell phrase, often heard after stopping in to visit with him: “Come back.”

When he wasn’t working at the Sale Barn, or for Cressey Construction, Joe was out scouting turkey and deer. His greatest pastime was hunting with friends. The stories and laughter shared among the many friends from those adventures were treasured memories.

His sisters-in-law Mary Rote and Denyse Walker, along with many nieces, nephews and close family friends will treasure their memories of Joe, his friendship, and his stories.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Parents-in-law: David and Eulaine Walker, In-laws: Charlie Dunn, Joyce and Tommy Berggren, and Richard Walker.

A sincere thank you to Dr. Whalen, Drs. Bybee and Waller and staff of Maquoketa Family Clinic, and to the staff of the Maquoketa Care Center, Visiting Angels, and Hospice of Jackson County for their kindness and loving care for Joe.

We are grateful for the Dague, Schau, Swanson, Grimm, and Gottschalk families for all their love, friendship and support through the years.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring of the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.