Joseph N. Wachowiak

Joseph N. Wachowiak, age 83, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Benedictine – St. Anne in Winona.

He was born on December 22, 1940, in Winona, to Peter and Eleanor (Wiczek) Wachowiak, and was a 1958 graduate of Cotter High School.  Joe honorably served his country with the United States Navy from 1958 – 1961 and was stationed aboard the USS Saratoga.

Joe was united in marriage with Audrey Dean on May 5, 1962, and together they celebrated almost 62 years of marriage.

Joe was employed by the Winona Daily News, for 37 years, as a Compositor and then as Composing Room manager, before retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Joe will be remembered as an avid fan of all Minnesota sports teams.  He actively participated in golfing, bowling, softball, and volleyball. Joe enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em and BINGO at Treasure Island, and going on overnight casino trips with Audrey. The annual Dean family picnic at Sis and Vernie's farm held a special allure for him, thanks in part to the legendary mushball game played with Joe's handcrafted mushball each year.

Joe is lovingly survived by his wife, Audrey; children: Kevin (Heidi) Wachowiak, Jodi (Brian Mussman) Lenz, Pete (Karen Schroer) Wachowiak, and Christopher (Tracy) Wachowiak; daughter-in-law: Lori (Craig) Thompson; 9 grandchildren: Jordan and Katie; Ryan, Bria (fiancé Noah), and Brayden; Haley (Seth) Ponce; Kendall; and Sophia and Jaxon.  One great-granddaughter Adalynn Ponce and another one due in July; brother: Gerald (Corinne) Wachowiak; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jon Wachowiak; parents; a sister, Mary; and a brother, Raymond.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, followed by a luncheon, afterwards. The Very Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate.  In honor of Joe, those attending are encouraged to wear casual clothing or their favorite Minnesota sports team apparel.

Memorials may be directed to Winona Health Hospice Services.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Joe’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.