Joseph William Czernicki

Czernicki, Joseph William “Joe”, age 81, of Franklin, formerly Racine, passed away at St. Luke’s Medical Center with his family by his side on June 20, 2017. Joe was born to Joseph and Clara (nee. Hodorowski) Czernicki on March 27, 1936 in Thorp, Wisconsin. As a child, Joe grew up on the family farm before moving to Galena, Illinois where he completed graded school. He then returned to Thorp where he graduated high school in 1954, after which he joined the Army reserves. Joe pursued a career as a mason with Bundy Construction. In 1958 he met Bernice C. Sandner and they were married on May 23, 1959 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. The couple lived in the Milwaukee area until 1971 when they moved to Franksville. Joe was an avid bowler throughout his life; he joined many leagues and made new friends along the way. He was a member of the “Knights of Columbus” and American Legion Post 203, and was a long-time member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Waterford. In 2016 he moved to Claire Meadows Apartments where he enjoyed activities such as Wii bowling, card games and bingo. He loved to travel with friends and relatives, his favorite destinations being Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. Joe always looked forward to the annual family trip they took in September. He was a wonderful family man and loved his children and grandchildren. He will be missed.
Joe is survived by four children: Joe (Rochelle), Linda (Bill) Janczkowski, Mike (Tracy), Mary (Greg) Wilson; seven grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Bernice, three sisters: Marie Tranel, Alice Osowski, Irene Gryskiewicz; one brother: Edward.
Visitation will be held on Monday June 26, 2017 from 10 – 10:45 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S First St., Waterford, WI 53185, with Mass starting at 11 AM. Inurnment will be private for the family. In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy Joe’s family suggest memorials be made to St. Vincent de Paul.


Mealy Funeral Home
Waterford, Wisconsin
(262)534-2233
www.mealyfuneralhome.com