Joseph A. "Big Joe" Rosolek

August 10, 2019

Joe Rosolek passed away on August 10, 2019. Affectionately known as "Big Joe," he was the life of any party, had a generous and giving heart and never met a stranger. Joe was born in Milwaukee, WI and proudly served as a U.S. Marine from 1959-1963. Joe married the love of his life, Mary Repinski, who proceeded him in death on March 18, 2004. They are dancing together in heaven, and will be together finally for their 53rd wedding anniversary on October 15th, 2019. He retired from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District, where he was an engineering aide for 30 years and enjoyed retirement for 23 years, spending winters at Citrus Gardens and summers in Northern WI. Joe will be forever remembered for happy hour parties, running St. Roman’s festival with Usinger sausage, dollars in his pockets for the kids, a big smile and voracious laughs, and a Miller Lite in hand. Joe loved to two step and danced into the hearts of so many with his love of life and people. During retirement, Joe loved cruises and traveling to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas and Belize. His favorite place was at the home his parents bought in 1955 on Lower Post Lake in Elcho, WI. His hobbies included making the BEST dill pickles, playing a mean game of cribbage, reading, cooking, fishing and hosting social gatherings. He ran the Wisconsin Days at Citrus Gardens which was ALWAYS a sold out event. Joe's passing leaves behind his significant other, Mary Hrdlicka and his favorite daughter Julie, along with son in law, Mike Jones, and his favorite son, Joseph Rosolek Jr and daughter in law, Connie. Joe was also proud of his grandchildren, Brandon Rosolek, Shane Soares, and Desirae Soares and Ruben Pia. He was a wonderful and great grandfather to Riley, Hallie, Lilly and Bailey. Joe’s passing leaves a huge hole in the heart of his dear sister, Barbara VerBrugge. He will also be missed by his goddaughter, Kris Anne (Mick) Lynch, cousins Dolores (Dick) Wojciechowski, and Jerome (Helen) Wisniewski, and numerous friends, family, and co-workers from the MMSD. Joe was a simple family man and enjoyed being with his family whenever he could, even in the final moments of his life. “Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear." In lieu of flowers and gifts, please hug those you love, tell them you love them, and make every moment count. Donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation are also appreciated. Please wear purple to support awareness of Pancreatic Cancer. Celebration of Life Gathering Monday, October 14 at the ROZGA-WALLOCH FUNERAL HOME (4309 S. 20th St.) from 4:30 to 7:30 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 6:30 PM. Inurnment Tuesday, October 15 at PINELAWN MEMORIAL PARK (10700 W. Capitol Dr.) at 10:30 AM. Please meet at the Park Chapel.