Joe Edward Prado Jr., 56

Joe Edward Prado Jr., 56, of Athol, passed away at home with his family in Coeur d'Alene, on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011.

Joe was born in Henderson, Nev., on May 28, 1954, to Joe Edward Prado Sr. and Esther Mills. He grew-up in Ojai, Calif. Joe married Laura Meckel on July 25, 1992, in Coeur d'Alene. In 2002 he left a great job with the Simi Valley School District in California as a mechanic and moved to Coeur d'Alene to be close to his children. After many years of separation Joe and Laura reconciled in November 2010.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman with a deep passion for hunting, fishing, archery and motorcycling. His passion is marked by the many mounts he has in his home. Last winter he spent what little money he had on a hunting trip with his sons to Colorado. The last eight years Joe devoted his time and efforts to his sons and building up his 5 acres in Athol. He raised animals and a large producing garden. He built a shop and taught his sons mechanics. Joe had hidden talents such as cooking, baking and canning.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Meckel-Prado; sons, Preston, 16, and Zane, 12; his mother and stepfather, Esther and Phil Hinks; father and stepmother, Joe and Marie Prado; sisters, Dion, Anita, Loline; brothers, Stan, Jay and Dana.

Memorials may be made to Preston and Zane Prado at any Bank of America.

The memorial service will be held at noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at The Mica Flats Grange, 8 miles south of Coeur d'Alene on Hwy 95. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign Joe's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.