Joseph "Joe" Stanley Wojciechowski, 87, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Nov. 8, 2009, in Pulaski, the community he loved and served throughout his life. He was born July 18, 1922, in Abrams, the son of the late Stanley and Marie (Motowidlo) Wojciechowski, and stepmother, Joan (Piojda) Wojciechowski, whom he also loved and thought of as a mother.

Joe answered his country's call in 1942. He served faithfully as Marine Staff Sergeant in the South Pacific during the Second World War and was always proud of his time in the Corps.

After his wartime service, he was honorably discharged and began working at Pulaski State Bank as a teller. He was employed by the bank his entire working life, eventually retiring as Executive Vice-President and Member of the Board of Directors.

Joe and Isabelle Pac were married Aug. 18, 1951, and had just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. They raised their five children in Pulaski and Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and their families.

He also enjoyed coin collecting and reading and was an avid gardener. He often donated produce to the parish vegetable stand, befitting Joe's true passion - helping others. He had been involved in the Pulaski community since 1946. One of the first volunteer jobs he had was working with the Pulaski Community Chest, Pulaski's version of the United Way. The Pulaski Community Chest helped raise money to purchase playground equipment and a shelter house for the park in Pulaski.

He was the first board member of the Pulaski Food Pantry and had remained active in the project for a number of years. Joe was involved in the Pulaski Village Planning Committee and was part of the Pulaski and Brown County Commission on Aging. He was a founding board member of the Tri-Co. Community Corporation.

For many years he volunteered his time at Assumption B.V.M. Parish as an usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister and finance committee member. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and worked for more than 15 years forming the K-9 trust fund for the church school.

Joe was the Polka Days treasurer for 25 years. He was a Pulaski School Board member for more than two decades and was involved in planning the Pulaski athletic dinner from 1946 to 2006. Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Bona Council #4439, Pulaski and a charter member of the Lions Club, where he was recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for his humanitarian service. He was also active in numerous other charitable and philanthropic efforts throughout his life.

When once asked about his prolific and widespread service to others, Joe humbly responded "As long as you are in a community you should have an interest in what's going on, whether it be through church, clubs or other organizations. You put in your effort and do what needs to be done." He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and many who never met him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Isabelle; his children, Anne (Tom) Goerke, River Falls,; John (Vickie) Wojciechowski, Sobieski; Tom Wojciechowski, Charlotte, N.C.; Eve (Bruce) Schoblaska, Suamico; and Sue (Mark) De Coster, Madison; five grandchildren, Nicole (Mike) Schott, Katie (Ben) Fruzen, Joey, Michael and Emily Schoblaska; two great-grandsons, Luke and Brett; three sisters, Carol (Fran) Schauer, Lottie (Ray) Shilawski, all of Green Bay; and Irene Pranica, Sobieski; a brother-in-law, Ted (Rita) Pac, Sobieski; and a sister-in-law, Zita (Eldor) Ostrenga, Green Bay; many nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary (Ed) Bogal, brother-in-law, Joe Pac and brother-in-law, Andrew Pranica.

Friends may call at Assumption B.V.M. Church, Pulaski, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The American Legion Service will take place at 7 p.m. and the Closing Prayer Service will take place at 8 p.m. The visitation continues after 10 a.m. Thursday. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski, O.F.M. presiding. Burial with full military honors will follow in the parish cemetery. Marnocha Funeral Home, Pulaski is serving the Wojciechowski family.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Joe, please consider performing an act of service or charity.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.marnochafuneralhome.com.