Joe Boz

PEWAUKEE – Joe Boz, age 82, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at Hospice Care in Madison, WI, following a brief bout with metastatic lung cancer. Joe was the youngest and last survivor of 7 children born to Laura (nee Lapinski) and Elich Bozmoski. Born Feb. 26, 1926 in Kentucky, Joe moved several times with his family before settling in Milwaukee, WI. He was a WWII vet, proudly serving with the U.S. Army in Europe. As the owner of the Academy School of Music in Milwaukee and Menomonee Falls for over 40 years, he was key in providing instruments and instilling a love of music in thousands of students, along with servicing the needs professional and amateur musicians. Joe, as “dad”, will be remembered for the endless love of his daughters. They were his first priority. Joe was “Mr. Fix-it”, he spent many hours repairing, painting, and doing other handyman tasks for his kids. He worked very hard, but found time for golf, fishing, and his corvette. He was an undying Packer and Brewers fan, and a newly inaugurated Badger fan. As “Grandpa Joe”, he will be remembered for his amazing devotion and generosity to his grandchildren. Christmas will never be the same! He gave each niece, nephew and grandchild the opportunity to share his love of music. Joe continued to play the sax and clarinet until September of this year, when he didn’t have the strength to play anymore. He knows his music did not die with him, as all of his children and grandchildren have great talent. Welcoming Joe into heaven are his parents, brothers John, Tony and Alexander Bozmoski; sisters Laura Basta, Patricia Swiderski and Virginia Boz; beloved son-in-law Arthur E. Cone and beautiful niece Donna M. Walek. Joe is survived by daughters Shannon (Peter) Stolcers, Alexis Boz (Greg Hall), and Brenda (the late Art) Cone; by grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer and Aimee Stolcers; Ashley and Ryan Cone. Also survived by a sister-in-law,Mary, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to thank Dustin Riley for appreciating dad’s work over the last few years. That job kept him going. Thanks also goes to the amazing staff at Hospice Care for their unending compassion. Special hugs go to our extended families and circle of friends for their support during an extremely difficult time. Know that we felt all of your love and prayers. Joe will be entombed at Holy Cross cemetery. Services will be private. Memorials in Joe’s name can be made to Hospice Care, Inc. 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 Or online to the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, www.wmea.com, click upper right tab for Wisconsin Foundation for School Music