Joseph J. "Joe" Stefaniak

Stefaniak, Joseph J. "Joe" Passed away Friday, December 5, 2014, at the age of 97. Beloved husband of Mary for 25 years. Loving stepfather of Cindi (Christopher) Isbell, Gary (Alice) Thierfelder, Lyle (Heather) Thierfelder, Christine (Scott) Hansen and Karen (Peter) Pommer. Dear step-grandfather of 13 and step-great-grandfather of 8. Brother of Betty (the late Jerry) Demeter, Rosemary (Frank) Jennik and Gene (Ann) Stefaniak. Brother-in-law of Betty Stefaniak. Preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years Lillian and his siblings Dorothy Brede, Paul, Al, Norbert and Fr. Jim. Visitation Wednesday at 4:30 PM at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, 844 N. Broadway, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 6:30 PM. Private entombment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Music played a very important role throughout Joe's life. He enjoyed playing the guitar and entertaining with his band at numerous retirement parties, nursing homes and senior centers; Joe was the "life of the party". Early on Joe served in the Civilian Conservation Corps "CCC", and with his brother Paul performed on WTMJ Radio as "Dodo & Ditto" in the 1930's. He was proud of his being licensed in the state of WI as an Industrial Engineer and was a past officer in the National Association of Industrial Engineers. After retirement, Joe and Mary traveled the country in their motor home and spent many winters in Tuscon, AZ. He loved golf, was an active member of Whitnall Park Men's Golf Club, ran the "Stefaniak Open" and was a long time Marshall at the Greater Milwaukee Open. Joe was a dedicated parishioner of Old St. Mary's Church and a member of the "4th & 5th Pew Group" for Saturday Mass. The family would like to extend special thanks to Rev. Tim Kitzke and the nurses and staff of St. John's on the Lake and Hometown Hospice for the compassionate attention and care given to Joe. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials to Old St. Mary's Church are suggested.