Joseph B. Sazama

Joseph "Joe" B. Sazama 75, Athens, died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at his home. He was born March 8, 1933 on the family farm in the Town of Frankfort where he grew up, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Hodny) Sazama. He attended Rusk Country School and St. Mary's Catholic School in Colby. On October 12, 1957 he married Gertrude Smazal in Blenker. She survives. Joe grew up working on the family farm. He was a member of the National Guard. In 1963, Joe began working for Robert Tracy of Tracy Seeds Company in Janesville. He started his farming career as a hired hand, needing to borrow $39.00 to pay the electric bill and through his hard work and dedication he purchased the family farm in 1972 and grew his operation at one time to include five farms and over 1000 acres of land. He retired from farming in 1998. One of his favorite pastimes was pontooning and fishing with his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him "Papa Joe". He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and family and traveling. He will be remembered by those who loved him as a good hearted, easy going man with a warm smile. He will be especially missed by his children who knew him not only as a father but also their friend. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude, Athens; seven children, Richard "Rick" Sazama, Abbotsford, Wayne (Bonnie) Sazama, Colby, Joseph (Mary Claire) Sazama, Greenwood, Orville "Pal" Sazama, Colby, Philip Sazama, Stratford, Coral Branstiter, Abbotsford and Marla (Bryan) Lampi, Owen; nine grandchildren with one more on the way, four great grandchildren; three sisters, Mary (Frank) Brodziski, Athens, Margaret (Richard) "Dick" Leick, Stratford and Dorothy Kovatch, Fredrick, MD.; three brothers, Bill (Dorothy) Sazama, River Falls, Tony (Eleanor) Sazama, Rudolph and Dan (Cathy) Sazama, Stratford and many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Greg Branstiter and a brother, David. Per Joe's request, a private burial will be held. A rememberance and celebration of his life will be held at the Colby V.F.W. on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., with fellowship and a luncheon for family and friends. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com