Obituary of Joseph V. Charapata

Joseph V. Charapata 92, Beaver, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at home on Saturday November 10, 2012. He was born on January 6, 1920 in Beaver to the late Joseph and Cecelia (Hylock) Charapata. On April 18, 1942, Joe married Lucille Schultz at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Walsh. Together they farmed and raised their family in Beaver until retiring in 1979. He continued to help his son John on the farm until he was 80 years old. While still farming he sold seed corn for NorthrupKing to area farmers and was the company's "top salesman of the year" many times. His favorite past time was playing the accordion in the family Polka Band, playing for weddings, anniversaries and parties in the community throughout his lifetime. He also enjoyed dancing, gambling and playing cards. Of all things he was most passionate and happy when he was surrounded by his wife and family. Joe will be sadly missed by his wife, Lucille of 71 years, and his children, Jerry (Linda) Charapata, Oshkosh; Joe Charapata (Lynne Cavill), Oconto; John (Theresa) Charapata, Beaver; Joanne (Ward) Abbs, Hartland; and Mary Lou Charapata, Waukesha. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and siblings, Rose Hendrichs, Milwaukee; Anthony "Tony" Charapata, Beaver; Barbara (Jerry) Bellart, AZ; Dorothy (Sal) Failia, NY; James (Cynthia) Charapata, Little Suamico; Carol Caruso, Hudson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Larry, his grandson Michael and siblings, Betty, Mary, Peter, Helen, Irene, Cecelia, Frank, Edward "Eddie", and Pauline. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 235 E. Main St., Coleman. 7:00 PM Parish Wake Service. A second visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 AM Thursday until moving to church for Mass. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Thursday November 15, 2012 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 228 E. Main St., Coleman concelebrated by Father Celestine Byekwaso and Rev. Leonard Barbian. Interment will immediately follow at St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery, Pound.