Joseph J. Coufal

Yuma, AZ — Joseph John Coufal, 77, of Yuma, AZ, died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

Funeral and burial services were held Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 at the Sunset Vista Funeral Home in Yuma, AZ. Military rites were conducted by American Legion Post 19.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation. They may be sent to Connie Myers, 1716 Luna Dr., West Plains, MO 65775.

Joseph was born Jan. 12,1946, the son of Edward and Helen (Kubart) Coufal of O'Neill and formerly of Stuart. Joe attended St. Boniface Catholic Grade School in Stuart and graduated from high school at St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, KS in 1964 .  

He attended college at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Pershing College at Beatrice.  

He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 thru 1970, including serving in Viet Nam. Medals received there were Army Accommodation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Viet Nam Service, Viet Nam Campaign, Oversea Bra, Expert Badge M16 and Sharpshooter M14 Rifle.  

He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). 

For 40 years he was employed as division chief physical security law specialist at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona. As antiterrorism Officer he developed goals for the antiterrorism program, including four years as installation crime prevention officer. He received many awards during his time there. He was employed additionally 22 years in the bar and restaurant hospitality field.

In 1974 Joe was married to Susie Lorona. They had one daughter Janet.  

In 1995 he was married to Ria Petrella and had a son,Joey. Stepchildren are Michael, Mark and Kristin, Lorona and Treasure, Lacy and Ricky Petrella.

Joe is survived by two children Janet (Jim) Luckenbill of Tuscon, AZ and Joey of Yuma, AZ; three siblings Lorraine Coufal of Elkhorn, Connie Ramold(Chuck) Myers, of West Plains, MO and Maureen (Bill) Proksel of Omaha; nieces and nephews Joyce Ramold (David) Christopher of West Plains, MO, Ed Ramold, Sophia and Lauren of Farmington Hills, MI, Michelle (Greg) Hepfner, Natalie and Brendan and David (Sarah) Proksel, Nick, Abbie and Annie of Omaha. 

He was preceded in death by his wives Susie and Ria in 2006, his parents Ed and Helen Coufal and one brother-in-law Jack Ramold.