Joseph M. "Joey" McArdle

Joseph M. “Joey” McArdle, 70 of Newcastle, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 24, 2024. A memorial service will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ponca, Nebraska. Burial will be at South Creek Cemetery. 

Joey was born the son of Joseph and Carol (Bauman) McArdle on June 18, 1953 in Ponca, Nebraska. He graduated from Ponca High School. After graduating, he worked at several area bars before honorably serving his country in the United States Army. He proudly served from 1985 to 1989 and also spent several years in the reserves. He met his longtime partner, Kathy Galvin in 1997. Kathy passed away in 2022. Joey had recently reconnected with a lifelong friend, Vickie Murphy and together they were starting to enjoy life again.

Joey worked fabrication for Great Dane and then Wilson Trailer until his retirement. 

He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. He liked listening to all kinds of music, usually while driving around in his car checking things out. He was a huge history buff but just liked reading in general and had a large book collection. Joey had a special connection with Santa Claus and made sure he was there to dress up every year. He loved bringing joy to so many children. Last but not least, he was a huge Green Bay Packers and Huskers fan. 

Joey is survived by his brothers, Rick (Gale) McArdle and Mark McArdle of Ponca; special friend, Vickie Murphy of Waterbury; brother-in-law, Tim Spillane; niece, Sara (Paul) Bossow; great niece, Avery; great nephew, Carter; step-son, Scott Sappingfield of Newcastle; and step-daughter, JoAnn Sappingfield of Los Angeles.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jeriann and another in infancy; and longtime partner, Kathy.