Joseph Donald Burzinski, 87, longtime resident of Austin, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010 with family at his side.

Joe was born April 25, 1923 in Austin to Frederick and Helen (Wallace) Burzinski. After graduating from Pacelli High School he began work at the Hormel Company where he remained for 44 years. During a furlough from the Army he and Mary Ann Krokos were married at Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Flag Day, June 14, 1944. Married for 68 years, Mary Ann died in 2009.

Joe was a WWII veteran, Purple Heart recipient and an active member of the American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapshooting. Joe also loved playing cards of 500, home carpentry, woodworking, small engine repair and could play a mean harmonica.

Survivors include his sister, Mary (Robert) Maher, Emmons; son, Jerry Burzinski; daughter, Judy (Clint) Lueck, Medina; sons: David Burzinski, Monticello; John Burzinski, Maple Grove; Brian Burzinski, Jordan; Mark Burzinski, Austin; Dean Burzinski, Austin; seven grandchildren: Jason Burzinski, Rachael Hamilton, Scott Johnson, Bridget Burzinski, Nicholas Burzinski, Jacob Burzinski, Matthew Burzinski; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Hamilton.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Kristine Catherine; three brothers: William, Robert, and Richard; nephew, Steven; andgrand-niece, Kelly Christine Maher.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 4p.m. on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.

The casket bearers will be David Burzinski, John Burzinski, Brian Burzinski, Dean Burzinski, Clint Lueck, Jacob Burzinski, Mark Burzinski.