Joseph Frank Gavinski

PORTAGE  --  Joseph Frank Gavinski, age 74, of Portage, died on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.

Joseph was born on March 25, 1941 in Portage, WI, the son of Leo and Lillian M. (Wagner) Gavinski. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years during the Vietnam Conflict.  He had an affinity for the great outdoors, including fishing, hunting, camping, and tending to his garden;  also playing and singing karaoke.  During his high school years, he was a championship boxer, and he loved sports, especially the Packers.  Joseph retired from Eagle Foods as a butcher.

He is survived by his former wife of 37 years, Shirley J. Nickell;  his children, Ronald D. (Julie) Gavinski, Dallas, TX, Robin N. Gavinski, Cambridge, WI, Rebecca A. (Paul) Greco, Toronto, Canada; and Peggy L. Gavinski, Wyocena, WI;  his grandchildren, August Jean, Sterling, Cameron, Mela, Francesco, and Ethan; two great-grandchildren, Colton and Jayden;  three brothers, Albert, Paul and Tony;  six sisters, Mary, Leona, Ann, Pat, Kathy and Martha;  many other near and dear friends and extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Lillian Gavinski, his step-mother, Ethel Henke, his sister, Rose Barton, and his brother, Donald.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.