Joseph "Joe" L. Wojtysiak, 61, of Carlton, Minn., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Moose Lake, Minn., on May 2, 1951, to Frances (Gresczyk) and Joseph F. Wojtysiak. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He managed the VFW in Carlton for 18 years. Joe began working for Potlatch Corporation/Sappi Fine Paper in 1990 and recently retired due to health complications. Joe married Janet Cozzi on Feb. 14, 1987, and they resided and raised their children in Carlton for the past 25 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and extended family. He was active with the Carlton Honor Guard Post 2962 for 39 years and served as captain for 35 years. Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman and a diehard Vikings fan. He thoroughly enjoyed going to the hunting shack in Wright, Minn.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, son Rodney, and brother Robert.

He is survived by sons Robb (Jessica) Crawford and Lt. Commander Rich (Duchesne) Crawford; daughters, Marissa and Meagan Wojtysiak and Nita (Jeff) Davis; former wife, Janet Wojtysiak; grandchildren, Cody, Madyson, Vanessa, Gillian, Austin, Madyson, Rhett, Ava and Olivia; brother, John (Amanda) Wojtysiak; sisters, Mary Sturgeleski, Josie (Henry) Jurek, Dorothy Mullenix and Bernie (Bruce Swang) Howden; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Services will be held Sunday, Sept. 2, at Nelson Funeral Care, 1004 Cloquet Ave., Cloquet, with a visitation from p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service. Military honors will be accorded by Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962. Luncheon will be held at the VFW in Carlton at 3 p.m.

Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care. See the online guest book at www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.

September 6, 2012
Pine Journal
Cloquet, Minn.