Obit: Literski, Joseph Frank (1948 - 2005)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email:  crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Literski, Murkowski, Peterson, Boneck

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) December 20, 2005

Literski, Joseph Frank (26 Dec. 1948 - 17 Dec. 2005)

Joseph F. Literski

EDGAR -- Joseph Frank Literski, 56, Edgar, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at the Palliative Care Unit of Saint Joseph's Hospital, MarshfieId, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was born Dec. 26, 1948, to Joseph and Merceda (Murkowski) in Athens. He attended St. Anthony Catholic School in Athens and graduated from Athens High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic.

Upon returning home, he began his 33-year career as a mechanic with Cherokee Garage Inc. in Colby, Wis. His expertise in repairing tractors, especially those "older ones," was known far and wide. He had quite a knack for hunting down those hard to find tractor parts across the country. During those years, he made many lasting friendships and considered Cherokee Garage, the owners and fellow employees, his "second family." Joe was a lover of old-time Country Western music and movies. When he wasn't in his uniform, he was hardly seen without wearing one of his western shirts or vests. He always looked forward to the lively monthly family outing to the casino. Joe was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post of Colby, Wis. His final gift was the gift of sight by donating his corneas, enabling others to enjoy and appreciate life as he did.

He is survived by five brothers, Philip, Michael (Jean) and Dale (Marianne), all of Athens, David (Pamela), Edgar, and Patrick, Mosinee; one sister, Linda (Todd) Peterson, Oconto Falls; nine nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his two faithful canine companions, Poncho and Lefty.

Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Joseph and Merceda; and an infant brother.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, with the Rev. Norman Boneck officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be before the Mass, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date in St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Wuerzburg.

The Cremation Society of Wisconsin is assisting the family with arrangements.