Joseph Stefanko

Of Menomonee Falls entered into Eternal Life on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the age of 100 years. Joseph was born in Superior, WI to John and Rose Stefanko in 1920. He was one of nine children in the family. He earned his bachelor's degree from Superior State Teachers College, majoring in mathematics and the sciences. This school is now known as the University of Wisconsin (Superior). He served as a radar specialist in the Army Signal Corps during his four years of military service during World War II, teaching and maintaining radar units. He married Eleanor Peschel in 1943 while in the military service. Eleanor was a resident of Oak Park, IL. After four years in the military service he used the GI Bill to earn a master's degree in Educational Administration at the University of Minnesota. After two years of science teaching he became principal of the junior-senior high school in Esko, MN. He returned to teaching in 1949 as a Chemistry teacher in West Allis, WI. While teaching at West Allis Central he was honored by a citation for the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers for excellence in teaching. Mr. Stefanko furthered his education by earning a second master's degree from the University of Ohio (Columbus, OH) and by doing research in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). Loving husband of the late Eleanor (nee Peschel). Cherished father of Maryanna (Victor) Korwitts, Joseph (Sharon) Stefanko and John (Cheryl) Stefanko. Proud grandfather of Katye Korwitts, Jaeh Korwitts, the late Monica Korwitts, Joshua (Lynsey) Stefanko, the late Adam Stefanko, Justin (Crystal) Stefanko, Bryan Stefanko, and Eryn (Mat) Oberlander. Great-grandfather of Axel, Asher Stefanko. He is further survived by sisters, Angeline Timmerman, Dorothy Heytens; other in-laws, family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, John Jr., Mary Anne, Pauline and Ann; brothers-in-law, Gilbert, Leo and Henry. A Mass will be held on Monday, October 12, 2020, at 10:30AM at St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Parish, 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove, WI 53122. Military Honors to follow. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Milwaukee.