Joseph W. Oszakiewski, 86, of Ironwood, and formerly of Mercer, Wis., died Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in Ironwood. He was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Chicago, son of the late Walter and Ursula Oszakiewski, and attended school there. He entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following his honorable discharge, Joe returned to Chicago and was employed as a machinist for Western Electric Co. in Cicero for 35 years, retiring in 1979. He married the former Violet Kubik on Oct. 4, 1947, in Chicago. They moved to Mercer in May of 1990. Violet preceded him in death on Oct. 28, 1994. Joe made his home in Ironwood in Dec. of 2005. Joe was a former member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer where he served as an usher, and was also a former member of Mercer-Manitowish Waters American Legion Post 424 and Knights of Columbus Council 7228. He was an avid fisherman. Surviving are a son, Joseph, of Ironwood, and daughter, Theresa Wilson, Carey, ILL; five grandchildren, Jessica (Doug) Mead, Ironwood, Michael Oszakiewski, Mercer, Gwendolyn (Charles) Nelson, Carey, Jack (Quinn) Wilson, Phoenix, AZ, and Joey Wilson, Carey; six great-grandchildren, Chase and Chazz Nelson, Karleigh, Curtis and Page Wilson, and Devon Mead; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by six siblings, Ed, Hank, Frank, Leo, Irene and Louise. At the family's request, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Darryl J. Pepin, celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church, where full military rites will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard. Friends may call in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wisconsin Chapter, 1120 James Drive, Hartland, WI 53029. To view Joe's obituary online, sign the register book and express condolences, visitmckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.