Joseph J. Barany
Semper Fi Joe.
You fought the good fight, never ever complaining.
Joseph L. Barany, age 73, of Chilton, died on March 19, 2020, at Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation, following a long battle with Alzheimers. Joseph was born July 21, 1946, to Joseph and Mary (Kopjar) Barany in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Being ever selfless, Joe gave of himself at 12 years old after the untimely passing of his father, working and helping to support his family. Joe graduated from Chilton High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly thereafter, reaching the rank of Corporal. Joe served honorably in Vietnam and though eligible to receive two Purple Hearts, he only accepted one.
After his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1969, Joe held several positions upon his return to Chilton. Under the guidance of his uncle John Barany, Joe entered into the field of bricklaying and masonry. Shortly after, Joe met the love of his life, Jane Skarda, at Heller’s Bar while singing Elvis tunes. The two were married on August 18, 1979.
Joe took Jane’s two boys under his wing, sharing wisdom and guidance. Through them, he lived out the youth he was never offered.
Joe’s house was always filled with laughter, friendship and livelihood. His passion for fishing and hunting was unparalleled. Joe was an avid gardener and cook. He was well known for his mastery of smoking fish, telling jokes, his loyal dogs and his abundant generosity to everyone – Joe never had a bad word to say about anybody.
Joe was a devoted elder at Saint Martin Lutheran Church, a member of the Chilton Lions Club, The American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Toward the end of his career, Joe devoted several years to the New Hope Center as a supervisor in the workshop and was beloved by all of his clients.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jane; sons: Michael (Debbie) Barany and James (Diana) Barany; grandchildren: Joseph (Angela Villarin) Barany, Harrison Barany, Patrick (Jenny Sticka) Barany, Emma Barany, Zoe Barany, Liam Barany, and Aidan Medinger; a great-grandchild: Isaac Barany; sisters: Joyce (Clifford) Hagens, Johanna (Donald, Sr.) Bonlander, and Darlene (Peter) Hagens; sisters-in-law: Janet Skarda and Karen Skarda; brother-in-law: John (Renee) Skarda; goddaughter: Koren Bonlander; his four-legged friend, Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary; Jane’s parents: James and Pat Skarda; sister-in-law: Joan Drews; brother-in-law: James Skarda; and his Uncle John, who was a father figure to Joe while he was growing up.
Joe’s family would like to thank The Veterans Administration, The Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Manitowoc Holy Family Hospice for their extraordinary care.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020 at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Chilton (717 Memorial Dr.) with Rev. Thomas Schmitt officiating. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call at church from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in the name of Joseph Barany.