Surnames: Branstiter, Brodziski, Hodny, Kovatch, Lampi, Leick, Sazama, Smazal

----Source: The Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI), Volume 48, No. 16, April 16, 2008, Page 14

Sazama, Joseph B. "Joe" (8 Mar 1933 - 9 Apr 2008)

Joseph "Joe" B. Sazama, 75, Athens, died Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at his home.

He was born March 8, 1933, on the family farm in the Town of Frankfurt where he grew up, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Hodny) Sazama. He attended Rusk Country School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Colby, Wis. On October 12, 1957, he married Gertrude Smazal in Blenker, she survives.

Joe grew up working on the family farm. He was a member of the National Guard. Joe began working for Robert Tracy of Tracy Seeds Company in Janesville. He started his farming career as a hired hand, needing to borrow $39.00 to pay the electric bill and through hard his hard work and dedication he purchased the family farm in 1972 and grew his operation at one time to include five farms and over 1000 acres of land. He retired from farming in 1998. One of his favorite pastimes was pontooning and fishing with his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him "Papa Joe." He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family and traveling. He will be remembered by those who love him as a good hearted, easy going man with a warm smile. He will be especially missed y his children who knew him not only as a father but also their friend.

Survivors include his wife Gertrude, Athens; seven children, Richard "Rick" Sazama, Abbotsford, Wayne (Bonnie) Sazama, Colby, Joseph (Mary Claire) Sazama, Greenwood, Orville "Pat" Sazama, Colby, Phillip Sazama, Stratford, Coral Branstiter, Abbotsford and Marla (Bryan) Lampi, Owen; nine grandchildren with one more on the way; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary (Frank) Brodziski, Athens, Margaret (Richard) "Dick" Leick, Stratford and Dorolthy Kovatch, Fredrick MD; three brothers, Bill (Dorothy) Sazama, River Falls, Tony (Eleanor) Sazama, Rudolph and Dan (Cathy) Sazama, Stratford; and many other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Greg Branstiter; and a brother, David.

Per Joe’s request, a private burial was held. A remembrance and celebration of his life was held at the Colby V.F.W. on Saturday, April 12, from 1 until 4 p.m., with fellowship and luncheon for family and friends.

Peterson-Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Paid Obituary 16-81743