Lucille "Babe" Marie Charapata

Of Waukesha, formerly of Beaver, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at the age of 91. Lucille was born on April 7, 1923 in Porterfield, WI the youngest of nine, born to Joseph and Elizabeth Schultz. She married Joseph V. Charapata Sr. on April 18, 1942. For the 71 years of their marriage they were inseparable. Together they farmed and raised their family in Beaver until their retirement in 1976. In addition to farming, Joe and Lucille worked side by side in numerous business endeavors including Northrup King seed sales and purchasing many rental units throughout Marinette and Menominee. For decades, Joe and Lucille traveled near and far to entertain neighbors and friends with their family polka band. It would be impossible to count all of the weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and bank events at which they played. Lucille sang, played the drums and added a little spice with her humstrum. She also enjoyed dancing, gambling and playing cards. Many of the local casinos are glad she is now winning her jackpots in heaven. It was a rare day on the farm when Lucille didn't make 3 pies and a cake for the many guests who would often stop by unannounced at mealtime. Of all things, she was most passionate and happy when she was surrounded by her husband and family. Lucille will be sadly and deeply missed by her children, Jerry (Linda) Charapata of Oshkosh, Joe (Lynne Cavill) Charapata of Oconto, John Charapata of Crivitz, Joanne (Ward) Abbs of Hartland and Mary Lou (Michael Jassak) Charapata of Waukesha; her 18 grandchildren; her 36 great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Carivou and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Joseph V. Sr., her son, Larry; her grandson, Michael; and her siblings, Clara, Alfred, Karl, Edward, Edna, Mary and Wilfred. The visitation for Lucille will be held on Friday, August 29, 2014 from 3:30 p.m. until the time of the 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. A second Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. at the Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 235 E. Main St., Coleman, WI 54112, and will be moving at 11:45 a.m. to St. Anne Catholic Church, 228 E. Main St., Coleman, WI 54112 for the 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will immediately follow at St. Leo Cemetery in Pound, WI.