Joseph John Berezowitz

Berezowitz, Joseph J. "Joe" Joe gave his entire family great joy for 94 years before departing on October 8, 2014 to join Eve on that great golf course in the sky. No doubt he was teeing it up by 7am! He was born on March 2, 1920, one of 9 children. Joe grew up quickly when, at the age of 12, his father John (Jan) died. Growing up in the great depression and helping his mother, Mary (Garcia,) care for his younger siblings, left Joe with a sense of responsibility and conservation of resources that guided his life-decisions for decades to follow. Joe attended Milwaukee Technical High School ("Boy's Tech", at the time). He met Evelyn, who attended South Division, while walking home from school. It took him a few years to work up the nerve to ask her out, but after the first date, they were never far apart. They were married on May 2, 1942. Joe became a tool and die maker for the Filer & Stowell Company and was promoted to shop foreman and eventually, industrial engineer. He retired from Filer after 45 years in 1985. He and Evelyn enjoyed many years of caring for grandchildren and playing golf! As a young man, Joe enjoyed football and was an amazing fast-pitch softball player. As the pitches slowed, he became a strong amateur bowler, winning many awards and titles in the Milwaukee area. Golf became his favorite activity in his mid 40s. Joe was a founding member and one of the most active officers of Oakwood Men and Senior's golf clubs. He was able to play the game he loved through his 88th summer. As late as April of this year, he won the putting contest at his assisted living facility! Joe was a WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Corps. Joe was pre-deceased by father, John, mother, Mary, wife, Evelyn (nee: Faust,) daughter, Deborah, brother, John, and sisters, Sophie, Maime, Angeline, Irene, Harriet, & Blanche. He is survived by brother, Willie (Janet), and sister-in-law Ruth. Joe is further survived by his loving children: Bob (Jan), Sandy (Bronna,) Mike (Pat), and Bill (Kathy,) as well as grandchildren, Dan (Jane), Steve (Barb), Becky (Chris Blaken), Bonnie (Jeff Brantmeier), Claire (Tadhg Barrett), Megan (Eric Pagels), & Andrew. Joe is also survived by14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. He will be missed by all of us, as he was always so positive and outgoing when we visited. Whenever we called or visited he would always greet us with a jovial; "Hey it's great to hear/see you". When leaving his last words were; "Thanks so much for coming by/calling". Memorial gathering will be at St. Alphonsus Church (6060 W. Loomis Rd.) on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 10 AM until 11:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM. Special thanks to staffs of Harbour Village & VITAS Hospice for their care & concern for our father.