Joseph "Joe" Gerard Callewaert

Joe Callewaert age 94, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Sunday, June 29, 2014. He was born February 24, 1920 in St. Amelie, Manitoba Canada, son of the late Boudwin and Eliza (Nee: Petillion) Callewaert.

His family moved to Sturtevant in 1925 where Joe has remained a lifelong resident and member of St. Sebastian’s Church. Joe proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942-1945 as a radio operator aboard a B-24 bomber, The Pitti Sing, 63rd Bomber Group in the South Pacific Theater on New Guinea. His crew was credited with sinking eight Japanese submarines during their 42 missions.

On January 9, 1943 he was united in marriage to Vera Chambers who preceded him in death in 1961. He married Cynthia Worden on July 21, 1962 and she preceded him in death in 2001. Joe worked in the construction industry for Nelson and Company as a carpenter for thirty-four years, retiring in 1983. His hobbies included woodworking, fishing at his cottage in Richford, WI, and spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his children, Carol (Jack) Vance of Sturtevant, Dennis (Kathy) Worden of Mesa, AZ; four grandchildren, Brian (Michelle) Vance of Racine, Colleen Merrill of Harshaw, Tracy (Gary) Brock of Prescott, AZ, Michelle Moeller of Phoenix, AZ; nine great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Ruth) Callewaert of Sturtevant; three sisters, Laura Emmerling of Racine, Mary (Robert) Waraxa of Trempealeau, Irma Sturicz of Sturtevant; sister-in-law, Susan Callewaert of Union Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wives, Vera and Cynthia, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Gerald, Albert, Camille; and sisters, Irene Schmidt and Martha Burns.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 7, 2014, 10:30 A.M. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3100 95th Street, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. and Monday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 10:30 A.M. Memorials to St. Sebastian Catholic Church have been suggested.

A special thank you to Wheaton-Franciscan Hospice for their thoughtfulness and care during this time. And a special thank you to our family and friends for their prayers and help during this time.