Joseph R. Jarecki, Jr.

Joseph R. Jarecki, Jr., was born August 29, 1967 in Columbus, Nebraska and died May 1, 2023 in Grafton, Wisconsin. Born to Joseph (deceased) and Marilyn (Kaus) Jarecki, Joe grew up and worked on the family farm until his father's death. He attended Columbus High School. He loved (and was loved by) his older sisters Barb Graham and Elizabeth, his younger sister Helen, his nieces Shannon (Jeremy) Losak, Brandee (Adam Guy) Graham, and Michaela Graham, as well as Jesse Perkins who was like a son to him.

Joe had the soul and skills of MacGyver and the knowledge of a Renaissance Man. As a teen (while his parents were away) he split and wired a telephone line to his bedroom. Joe's resourcefulness was evident as he solved problems and managed projects both professionally and for friends and family.

In the construction trade he became a master backhoe operator. Joe's career in construction took him from Nebraska to Arizona and ultimately to Wisconsin, where he held roles of increasing responsibility with Home Depot in Grafton.

In his personal life Joe enjoyed being with family, following Husker football, and beating those who dared challenge him at darts, billiards, Risk and Words with Friends.

Short in stature, he was big in heart. He was first in line to hold a door open, share an umbrella, carry a bag of groceries, or buy a friend a Slurpee—preferably cherry and coke combined.

He might try to hide his smile, but it belied his actions. He took the initiative to help friends and family. Whether it was a car problem, a flooded basement, or a lawn that needed mowing, Joe was there to help out.

He was a man of a few words (always worth listening to), had a wry sense of humor and made you laugh when least expected.

He showed incredible grit and overcame a years-long battle with addiction – beating long odds and successfully gaining control of his life.

He will continue to be cherished by his immediate family, his aunts and uncles, cousins, and his friends. We have lost him much too soon.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joe on Monday, May 8, 2023, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62N526 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012. Time of remembrance and sharing of your favorite memories of Joe will be at 12:00 Noon. 

A Memorial Mass will be held for Joe Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:30am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1120 8th Street, Duncan, Nebraska 68634. Joe's family with meet with relatives and friends at the church from 9:30am until 10:00am prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Joe's family request donations to La Frontera Center, 504 West 29th Street, Tuscon, Arizona 85713 (Phone: 520-838-5600) or go to www.lafronteracenter.org.

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