Obit: Grabowski, Joseph Stanley (1934 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: Grabowski, Lato, Kurtinaitis, Anderson, Janowski, Bushell, Krzyzanowski, Komis, Slagel, Burzinski, Tieman, Kowalski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/04/2016

Grabowski, Joseph Stanley (26 March 1934 - 1 May 2016) With Flag

Joseph S. Grabowski, 82, of Thorp passed away at his home under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice, Sunday, May 1, 2016.

Joseph Stanley Grabowski was born March 26, 1934, in Thorp to Joseph and Stella (Lato) Grabowski. He was raised on the family farm and received his education at Thorp Area schools. After completing his education, Joe moved to Chicago, where he worked as a meat cutter.

He was inducted into the U. S. Army April 4, 1955. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, “Screaming Eagles” as a paratrooper and was a member of the Army Pistol Team until his honorable discharge April 3, 1957. He returned to Thorp and worked for Dus’ Feed Mill in addition to farming.

Joe was united in marriage to Anna P. Kurtinaitis at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Junction, WI Oct. 18, 1958. After their marriage, they moved to Chicago, where Joe worked as a milkman delivering milk to restaurants and homes in the Chicago area. In 1971, they moved to Bruce and purchased the Birchwood Resort on Lake Amacoy. They sold the resort in 1973, and Joe bought his parents’ farm in the Town of Reseburg, where he farmed until retiring in 1995. Joe then worked part-time during retirement at the Whispering Pines Golf Course in Cadott.

He had many interests but especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, bowling, tinkering and attending the Thursday Birthday Club gatherings at Silver Dollar, in Thorp and later at the Back Forty in Lublin.

Joe was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council #4634 and the Rock Dam Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife, Anna, of Thorp; five children: Rosann (James) Anderson of Ridgeland, Mathew Grabowski of Thorp, Douglas Grabowski of Denver, CO, Jonathan Grabowski of Madison and Holly Grabowski of Thorp; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson on the way; four sisters: Amelia (Joseph) Janowski of Palatine, IL, Sr. Rose Grabowski of Stevens Point, Stella Bushell of Des Plaines, IL and Patricia Grabowski of Des Plaines, IL; two brothers: Lawrence (Diane) Grabowski of Cameron and Stephen (Michelle) Grabowski of Coon Valley and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Mary Krzyzanowski, Dorothy Komis and Teresa Grabowski in infancy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2016 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, with visitation from 9 a.m. until time of service. Rev. Janusz Kowalski will officiate and burial will follow in New St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Michael Slagel, Jack Slagel, Michael Burzynski, Adam Burzynski, Teresa Tieman and Robert Krzyzanowski. Honorary casket bearer will be Sgt. Frederick Slagel.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.