Brian Jarosz

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Brian Keith Jarosz, age 55, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at Freeman Hospital West following an illness.

Brian was born on May 27, 1963, in Torrance, California, to Chester Jarosz and Mary Cupp. He was a 1981 graduate of Neosho High School. Following high school, Brian worked for Tamko in Joplin for 14 years. After Tamko, he worked as a supervisor for Joplin Sheltered Workshops and spent 23 years there until his retirement.

Brian loved to tinker with cars, small engines and electronics. He was Mister Fix-It and could literally fix anything placed in front of him. Brian also loved spending time outdoors as he greatly enjoyed fishing.

At a young age Brian began facing many health complications, yet he always handled everything with great pride and his faith was unwavering. He was a member of Reinmiller Baptist Church for over 20 years and a current member of Grace Baptist Church in Joplin. Brian was a giver, almost to a fault, and he had an unconditional love for everyone. He was never worried about himself and he was the epitome of selfless. He loved children, especially his nieces and nephews, and he always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered for the way he loved, the way he cared and the way he led and accepted everything as God’s will. He will also be remembered for always having mints and a Slim Jim in his shirt pocket.

Brian was preceded in death by his baby brother, George Edward Jarosz; his biological father, Chester Jarosz; his maternal grandparents, Ed and Maude Cupp; and his paternal grandparents, George and Rose Jarosz.

Survivors include his parents, Kenneth and Mary Simonson, of Joplin; siblings, Michael Jarosz (Camille) of Phoenix, Arizona, Lloyd Simonson (Donna) of Cherry Valley, California, Susan Dye (Stephen) of Joplin, Scott Jarosz (Beverly) of Joplin, Carol Kidwell (Tom) of Joplin, Laurie McNorton (David) of Joplin, Kimberly Weger (Aubrey) of Clark, Missouri, Kenneth Jarosz (Alicia) of Neosho, Gregory Glover (Kim) of Joplin and Jaylynn Simonson of Joplin; his sons, Brian “Little Brian” LaGrassa and Kevin Walker; his loving aunt, Opal Cupp, of Joplin; his wife, Cynthia, of Norman, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2019, at Grace Baptist Church in Joplin with Pastor Brad Wieneke officiating. Burial will follow at Webb City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Grace Baptist Church in support of their Building Fund.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.