Joseph Leo Cherek was born on March 13, 1927 in the Town of Reid, in Marathon County, Wisconsin to Joseph J. Cherek and Francis (nee Disher) Cherek and passed away on November 1, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Ethel (Kleman) Cherek and loving father of Robert (Susan), Bruce (Debra), Brian (Melissa), Sandra (John Sullivan), Scott (Susan) and Joseph Jr. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe was the last of his generation. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Bernard "Barney", Florian "Dewey", August "Gustine", Agnes "Maggie", Theresa, Verna, Helen, Violet, Anton "Tony", Daniel "Donny" and Adam. Joe was a hard worker his entire life, beginning on the family farm and later at Perfex Corp. in Milwaukee. He served in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s, stationed in Alaska. Joe married his sweetheart Ethel Kleman, on August 28, 1954, and together, they celebrated 63 years of marriage. Joe loved fishing, gardening, John Wayne westerns, the Green Bay Packers, and playing cards. He was famous for his spicy, homemade crock pickles that were enjoyed by family and friends. Joe's greatest gift was the remarkable stories he shared of the family farm, his siblings, and special moments. Everyone loved "Uncle Joey", and he will be missed by all, especially his family. Memorial Visitation at the Funeral Home SATURDAY, December 8, 2018 from 9:00-11:30 AM. Memorial Service at 11:30 AM. Interment services for Mr. and Mrs. Cherek will take place on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Please meet directly at the cemetery chapel at 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage (part of the Reiman Cancer Center), in Franklin, Wisconsin, where both Joe and Ethel received treatments and care. Learn more at https://theconservancy.org/ Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes South Suburban Chapel 6080 So. 27th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 414-282-6080