Joseph Wavrunek

Wavrunek, Joseph N.

Joseph N. Wavrunek, "Joe the Organic Man," 58, Town of Eaton, died peacefully, Saturday, May 31, 2014, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. Joe was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. His strong faith, love for family, and love of farming kept him alive to tend to God's work here on earth until God called him home. Joe was born March 19, 1956, in Eaton, to Dorothy (Ebben) Wavrunek and the late Sylvester Wavrunek. He was a 1974 graduate of Denmark High School and began a career in farming soon after. Joe married the former Jean Cherney on December 14, 1985 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. He and Jean celebrated 28 years of marriage this past December. Joe was the 4th generation family member to own and operate the family farm since its beginning in 1883. In 2006 he and Jean started the transition to become a certified organic dairy farm receiving their certification in 2008. Joe did what he loved to do, driving the tractor and working land up until Thursday. He was a proud member of the Organic Valley Co-op and was always promoting their products and the organic lifestyle. Joe was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Community.

He is survived by his wife, Jean and their four children: Amanda (fiancé, Jason Wilke), Sturgeon Bay; Kimberly (fiancé, Dustin Damrow); Adam (special friend, Lauren LeFevre); Brianna (special friend, Evan Jensen), all of Eaton; his mother, Dorothy, Eaton; seven brothers and sisters: Dan (Debbie), Kewaunee; Deacon Bob (Christal), Zanders, WI; Dave, Eaton; Jim (Josy), Denmark; Janet Spitzer (special friend, Noah Caminata), Jackson, WI; Mary (Tom) Swagel, Kewaunee and Cathy Wavrunek, Green Bay; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Mary Cherney, Eaton; brothers in-law and sisters-in-law: Mark Cherney, Eaton; Kathy (Gary) Gargano, Green Bay; Gary (Gina) Cherney, Luxemburg; Tim (Jolene) Cherney, Eaton and Steve (Cindy) Cherney, West De Pere; nieces and nephews and Godchildren.

Friends may call at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd. from 3:00-8:00 pm Wednesday with a parish wake service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday after 10:00 am at the church until time of mass at 11:00 am. Rev. Dan Viertel and Joe's brother, Deacon Bob Wavrunek officiating. Burial at SS Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Eaton. Online condolences will be sent to Joe's family at www.prokowall.com.

Joe's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Alshahrouri and Dr. Cavallin as well as the nurses and staff at St. Vincent's 6th floor ICU, especially Jody, Kat, Julie, and Brittany. Their care, kindness, and compassion will always be remembered.