PIEDMONT- Joseph Creek 'like up a Creek without a paddle' entered into eternal life on March 24, 2015 at 2:15 a.m. at the ripe age of 68. He wasn't an ordinary man, so neither is his obituary. Joe was stubborn, strong-willed, and a practical joker. His life was much like a box of chocolates as Forest Gump would say. Leave him alone on a park bench and he would make friends with anyone, even the homeless. He would spend hours telling stories about the time he spent in Korea during Vietnam serving his country. He would tell about his numerous, but fascinating hunting trips. And, of course, tell about countless off-the-wall fishing stories. Joe served as the President for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Rapid City, Strike Team Leader for the Fire Department, and a Volunteer Firefighter. He was a perfectionist (sometimes it was organized chaos), a mechanic, an artist, a family man, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a 100% disabled veteran (According to him, he was 150% disabled). Among other things he was known as the 'peacock whisperer'; taking pride in raising exotic birds. When Joe made big purchases, he specialized in 'Don't tell mama!' The only difference between our father and little boys was the price of his toys. He always looked forward to our family camping trips where he spent hours slay'in fish'. He enjoyed the finer things in life like splurging on a campsite with 'full-hookups'. Pass him a jar of mixed nuts and he would eat ALL the cashews. You could never hide your Halloween, Christmas or Easter candy well enough. Chocolate candy bars would always have a way of disappearing. He was a late night snacker and could often be caught eating late night snacks until the wee hours of the morning. He enjoyed watching the sunrise in the morning with his wife, while sipping on a cup of joe. Like a box of chocolates you never knew what you would get while hanging out with Joe. He loved to laugh and usually it was at the cost of the practical jokes he would play on his family and friends. Joe always paid it forward. He worked hard and emphasized the importance of having a good work ethic. He made learning fun by incorporating practical jokes and laughing along the way. He had the type of laugh that would have you laughing harder. Born in Seattle, WA, he would reminisce about growing up on succulent raw oysters and candied salmon. Joe was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, Brother, Sister and one Great Grandchild. His spirit is carried on by his wife, Patricia Creek; his son John (Holly) Creek; his daughter Dawn (Rick) Massie; his Daughter Christina (Jeffery) Christians; his daughter Alicia Creek; 25 grandhildren, and 13 great grandchildren. So hold your O'Douls high, here is to goodbye, until the day when, we can see you again. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday March 29 at Our Lady of the Black Hills. Christian Wake Services will follow at 3:00 p.m. Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, at the church with Rev. Steve Biegler presiding. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.