Surnames: Lewien, Wozniak, Wilcenski, Konieczny, Kubiak, Norczyk, Apfelbeck

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) April 1, 2009

Lewien, Joseph Vincent (30 July 1931 - 27 March 2009) With Flag

Joseph V. Lewien, age 77, of Thorp, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009, at Miller Alternative Care in Thorp.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 30, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp with Rev. Keith Apfelbeck officiating. Burial followed at New St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery with Joe’s grandchildren serving as pallbearers. Military graveside services were performed by Thorp American Legion Post #118. Visitation was held on Sunday, March 29, 2009, at the Thorp Funeral Home from 5 - 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary service. Visitation was also held on Monday, March 30, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Joseph Vincent Lewien was born on July 30, 1931, in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Peter and Agnes (Wozniak) Lewien and was educated at area schools. Joe’s family later moved to the Thorp area in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and was stationed in Germany before receiving his discharge in 1956. He was united in marriage to Genevieve Wilcenski on June 7, 1958, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. After their marriage, Joe and Gen returned to the family farm in the Town of Reseburg, rural Thorp. Joe continued to operate the farm until 1983 when he sold the cows to his son, Mike. Even after retiring, Joe continued to help out at the farm whenever he could until his health forced him to stop.

Joe was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council #4634, Thorp American Legion Post #118, Thorp Area Fire and Ambulance Board, and served on the Town of Reseburg Board from 1980 - 1987.

In his spare time, Joe enjoyed going to the hunting shack with his buddies, snowmobiling, and playing cards.

He is survived by his three children: Chris (Paul) Konieczny of Thorp, WI, Mike (Kim) Lewien of Rudolph, WI; seven grandchildren: Blake Konieczny, Troy Konieczny, Kayla Lewien, Tyler Lewien, Bryann Lewien, Arielle Lewien, and Landrin Lewien; one sister-in-law, Irene Lewien of Buffalo, N.Y.; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Genevieve on January 8, 1993; two brothers: Steve Lewien and John Lewien; and two sisters: Anne Kubiak and Katherine Norczyk.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cuddiefh.com.

Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.