Joseph J. Slaga Jr., age 82, of Tomahawk, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice. Joe was born in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 28, 1941, to the late Joseph and Harriet (Townsend) Slaga. Joe’s parents moved to Tomahawk shortly after his birth. He grew up in the rough-and-rowdy neighborhood of Frenchtown where he enjoyed shooting his slingshot and running amok with his siblings, Franny, Patty, and Putzer.
In 1960, while driving around Lincoln County in his friend’s car (probably out cruising for chicks), Joe caught the attention of a pretty girl from Merrill named Harriet Hanson. Before she could catch on to his wily ways, Joe quickly “put a ring on it” which, confusingly, made them the second couple by the name of Joe and Harriet Slaga in Tomahawk. That was not the only way that Joe followed in his parent’s footsteps: He and Harriet, much like their namesakes, had four children (Lorrie, Lynn, Lisa, and Joseph “Pete”) and happily made a loving home in the beautiful Northwoods.
Joe was a great friend to his coworkers at the respective paper mills of PCA, Owens-Illinois, and Georgia-Pacific where he worked for a combined 48 years. He was quick with a joke and often brought his work home–in the form of overbuilt gun cabinets, toy boxes, and pilfered tools. And, no, his family will not be returning any of these Joe-crafted “heirlooms” to either of the local mills–mostly, because they are too heavy to move.
Outside of his career, Joe enjoyed his time in the outdoors, both fishing and hunting. He was a very proud winner of many Musky fishing tournaments and was well-renowned as the camp cook, cribbage champion, and loudest snorer at his favorite deer camp in Minong, Wis. He also was a big fan of sports: the Brewers, Badgers, Colts, and whomever his grandkids were playing for at the time.
“Grandpa Joe” was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will always be remembered for his nicknames, silly sayings, “Polish” choices in color (he had a neon green mailbox), open-mouthed naps in his chair, and the world’s best hugs. Everyone who had the honor of loving him knows that he was “finer than frog’s hair” and that he will be greatly missed.
Joseph Slaga was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. and Harriet J. Slaga; lifelong sweetheart, Harriet S. Slaga, and siblings, Francis Slaga and Patricia (Slaga) Stubb.
Joe leaves behind his brother, Eugene “Putzer” Slaga; his children, Lorrie (Chris) Schlender, Lynn Slaga, Lisa (Mark) Walder, and Peter (Patty) Slaga; his grandchildren, Emily “Chum” (Dustin) Bonack, Heinrich “pal” (Kayla) Walder, Anna Lukyanova, and Audrey, Sarah, and Xavier Slaga; along with great-grandchildren, Henry and Scarlett Bonack and Maverick Walder. Joe also leaves behind a million happy memories and a permanent butt-print in a large, brown Lazy Boy chair.
Visitation for Joseph Slaga will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Galloway, Wis. Fr. Gus Bentil will officiate. A reception will follow after Mass service. Private inurnment will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Joe’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.