Joseph D. Lavicka, age 78, a resident of Manitowoc, entered into eternal life on Monday, November 14, 2011 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.

Joe was born on September 15, 1933 in Marathon County to the late Clement and Mary Novak Lavicka. On June 10, 1961, Joe married Judy Hofslund at St. Leonard's Catholic Church in Muskego. He was employed at Briggs & Stratton in Milwaukee, at Mirro Aluminum, and also owned and operated a small engine repair business. Joe had a magnetic personality, an excellent sense of humor, made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by many. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, taking trips to their home in Door County, and spending time with his family and friends. Joe was a member of St. James Episcopal Church.

Survivors include Joe's wife of 50 years: Judy, one son: Jeff Lavicka and his significant other, Julie, Manitowoc; one granddaughter: Amanda Lavicka and her significant other, Jason Turner, Sheboygan; two great grandsons; one brother: Raymond Lavicka, West Allis; one sister: Rose Zaja, Milwaukee; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law: Edith Hofslund, Mary Lou Emme, and Barbara (Richard) Dumke, all of Manitowoc; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Clement and Mary Lavicka; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Everitt and Harriet Hofslund; three brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at St. James Episcopal Church, 434 North 8th Street, Manitowoc, from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am. The Rev. Diane Murray will officiate with entombment to follow at Knollwood Mausoleum.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe's name to St. James Episcopal Church in Manitowoc.