Joseph Peter Rysavy, 92, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin after a brief illness.

Joe was born in Summit Township, Minn., on March 25, 1920, to Peter and Caroline Rysavy. He grew up on a farm west of Blooming Prairie. Joe served in the Marine Corps during WWII and in 1945 he married Mary Matejcek. They had six children, Joseph (Jean), John (Marilynn), Wayne (Debbie), Ronald (Elizabeth), Rebecca Johnson (Darwin) and Joanne Newman (William).

Joe was employed at Hormel Foods until he retired in 1982. He was a craftsman, woodworker, hunter, fisherman, great storyteller and a member of the Heather Haus Scooter Gang. He had a story for everyone who came into contact with him. The twinkle in his eyes will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Joe was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

In addition to his six children, he is survived by 12 grandchildren 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Haberman, Blooming Prairie, Minn.; brother, Peter (Leona), Owatonna, Minn.; two sisters-in-law, Hazel Rysavy, Austin, and Irene Miller, Owatonna; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents; two brothers, Frank and Robert; and one grandson.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Sunday at Mayer Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and VFW Post No. 1216.