Joseph Stanley Aski

MCFARLAND, Wis. - Joseph Stanley Aski, 95, joyfully embraced our Lord in Eternal Glory on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022.

Joseph was born on Sept. 6, 1926, in West Allis, the son of Joseph and Justina (Zerenski) Aski.

Joe was blessed with 95 amazing years. Joe was born, raised, married, and then raised his own family in West Allis. After waiting seven long years, Joe is now joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Eleanore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Justina and Joseph Aski; his sisters, Frances Markotic and Alice Rich; and a multitude of friends, and relatives.

Joe was a devoted and dearly loved father to Linda (Jack Arndt), Bill Aski, Donna (Bill Hodous) and Janice (Antony Shuttleworth). Grandpa Joe touched the lives of and was deeply loved by his 10 grandchildren and 10, going on 11, great-grandchildren. He left all with special and lasting memories.

Joe was one of the last remaining veterans of World War II. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Gantner the last four years of the war and witnessed the historic surrender and end of the war in Tokyo Bay. His participation in an Honor Flight in 2015 to honor all those who wore the uniform was one of his greatest life experiences.

Known by everyone as "Big Hearted Joe", he was destined to walk in step with his Biblical namesake. Joe was a talented carpenter and millworker. He worked for Janka Millwork in West Allis for most of his career along with his last years before retirement in Butler. If one could "think it or draw it," Joe could make it with perfection from everything inside a home to the home itself.

Joe loved the outdoors, his second home was on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Mercer. He fished there his entire life; and then he and his wife, Eleanore, lived their last over 25 years on the Flowage. Joe was an avid pheasant, rabbit and deer hunter, fisherman, golfer, bowler, pool and card player. He embraced the ritual of a Friday night fish fry, knew the value of a timely cigar and an attitude adjustment hour with a Manhattan. Joe's sense of humor was like a gift that never stopped giving. He had one-liners that he never wore out. Joe loved to laugh; but even more, he loved to make others laugh. His sense of humor was always the life of the party. That humor, that wit, was with him to the very end and left everyone with a sense of what a truly remarkable human being he was.

His 95 years garnered him with unmatched faith in his Creator, wisdom, wit, integrity, generosity, strength, and a love for people not commonly seen. He truly was a proud member of the greatest generation guided by God-given morals and virtues. He was a true legacy and example of character, politeness, respect, dignity, generosity, and most preciously a true disciple of faith. Joe's fingerprints remain on countless works of woodworking, his wisdom, love, and his true legacy is imprinted in countless hearts, for he touched many lives. A devout disciple of faith, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, Navy man, patriot, and loyal friend - he truly was Big-Hearted Joe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Maria Joseph Kodiganti as celebrant, preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Joe's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.