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

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) April 11, 2008

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

ATHENS -- 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 Frankfort where he grew up, son of Joseph and Mary (Hodny) Sazama. He attended Rusk Country School and St. Mary's Catholic School in Colby, Wis. On Oct. 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. In 1963, Joe began working for Robert Tracy of Tracy Seeds Co. in Janesville. He started his farming career as a hired hand, needing to borrow $39 to pay the electric bill and, through his hard work and dedication, he purchased the family farm in 1972. He grew his operation at one time to include five farms and more than 1,000 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 loved him as a goodhearted, easygoing man with a warm smile. He will be especially missed by 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 "Pal" Sazama, Colby, Philip Sazama, Stratford, Coral Branstiter, Abbotsford, and Marla (Bryan) Lampi, Owen; nine grandchildren with one more on the way and four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary (Frank) Brodziski, Athens, Margaret (Richard "Dick") Leick, Stratford, and Dorothy 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 will be held.

A remembrance and celebration of his life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, at the Colby V.F.W., with fellowship and a luncheon for family and friends.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.