WAUNAKEE- Joseph W. “Pat” LaBerge, age 93, passed away on February 15, 2018. He was born in Wakefield, Michigan, on September 9, 1924, the son of Joseph “Art” and Elizabeth (Peissig) LaBerge. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a crew chief on a C47 transporting equipment and personnel throughout Western Europe. Joseph worked as a Steamfitter for over 30 years on the UW-Madison campus.

Pat grew up in and loved the North Woods of Wisconsin where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He enjoyed watching and identifying the birds of Wisconsin. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada in his many motor homes, stopping at casinos along the route. In later years, he enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona. Pat, a devoted Catholic and family man, was never quick to anger. His boyish charms, even throughout his later years, brought a smile to everyone's face. He leaves us as he lived, peacefully and very much loved.

He is survived by his daughter, Marie (Martin) Romero; grandchildren, Tanya (Ryan) Quint and Tim Romero; great-grandchildren, Annika and Greyson Quint; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Wells; special friend and companion, Mary Ann Koester; and step-children, Ron (Sandy) Wartzok and Laurlin (Mike) Jacobs. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Wartzok; sister, Alice (Tony) Hosinski; and brother-in-law, Clifford Wells.

The family wishes to thank Mary Ann Koester and the staff at Waunakee Manor for their excellent care given to Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5460 Mary Lake Road, Westport, with Msgr. James Gunn presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church on Thursday. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit:www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

(608) 249-8257

Joseph LaBerge

September 09, 1924 - February 15, 2018

Share photos of Joseph