Joseph Hojan, age 94, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at his residence while surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born in Merrill on March 25, 1924, to the late Leopold and Amelia (Pobriac) Hojan. He and Nancy Manderfield met in Merrill and married on September 12, 1953. Sadly, Nancy passed away on January 9, 2018.
Joseph grew up on the family farm in Merrill. Throughout his life, he enjoyed going to tractor pulls, reading about tractors and had his own collection of tractors on the farm.
After they married, Joseph and Nancy moved to Sturtevant, Wisconsin where they raised their two sons. Joseph spent many years in Kenosha working for American Motors, and was self-employed as a tree surgeon. He was always close to his family and very close to his boys. When the boys were younger, they took many family vacations, including going out west, coming ‘up north’ for the annual deer hunt, and camping trips west of Minocqua.
After retirement they moved back home to Merrill to reunite with their family and old friends. Later in life, Joseph and Nancy would look forward to playing cards with friends, fish fries on Friday nights, and the occasional gambling trip.
Joseph loved to read anything and everything, especially the daily paper. He had a great sense of humor and was the best at telling stories. His story of how he and Nancy met was one of his favorites. His children and grandchildren loved listening to the stories of his past. Most of all he loved Nancy’s cooking, along with his Point beer! He is remembered as a thankful and kind man. He will be sadly missed.
Joseph is survived by his sons: Joe (Dawn) Hojan and John Hojan, both of Merrill, grandchildren: Jillian (Colin) Schooley, Hannah (Cody Calloway) Hojan, Samantha (Brad Slott) Hojan, Lauren Hojan, Reid Hojan and Aidan Hardy, sisters: Mary Zinkel and Olga Henrichs, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Leopold and Amelia (Pobriac) Hojan, daugther: Kathy, wife: Nancy and brothers: Frank, Carl, and Paul Hojan
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the T.B. Scott Library.
A celebration of life for Joseph will be held on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018, at Gail’s Place, N4090 County Road K, Merrill, WI from 1pm-4pm.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com