Joseph C. Shwed

Joseph Charles Shwed, 75, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2014 at his home. The son of John Shwed and Anna Toth, Joe was born in Ashford, WI on September 1, 1938. He was a graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School in 1957. Joe then married the love of his life, Joan Ransom, on September 3, 1960. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters – Julie and Jacki.

Joe was the Produce Manager for Sentry Foods for 32 years, and was best known by most as “Banana Joe.” His extraordinary ability to strike up a conversation and the genuine care he had for each and every person that crossed his path allowed Joe to build countless friendships through the years.

When he wasn’t working, Joe loved to spend time playing softball. His involvement in Fond du Lac softball began in the early 1960’s. He started as a player in the adult fast pitch leagues and when fast pitch began to phase out, he turned his interest to slow pitch ball. He retired as a player in 1979 at which point he devoted all of his energies to managing. Joe managed a number of local teams, most notably those for Klotz’s Bar, until he retired in 1995. His players admired him for his leadership skills, his passion for the game and how he connected with them. Joe was a class act and a gentleman’s manager. In 1997, F.S.I. honored Joe with a lifetime award recognizing him for his loyal support and dedicated service. As further acknowledgement of his achievements, Joe was inducted into the Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame in 2004.

Even greater than his love of softball was Joe’s love of the Colts. After following Alan Ameche from the Wisconsin Badgers to the Baltimore Colts in 1955, Joe became an avid Colts fan. His passion for the Colts flourished during the Johnny Unitas era and it never subsided. To this day, he has carried a picture of Johnny Unitas in his wallet. With the pressure to support the green and gold living in Wisconsin, Joe always had fun banter with friends when the Colts would pull off a big win.

But Joe’s TRUE PASSION and zest for life revolved around his family, especially his grandchildren. Joe had a heart of gold, never forgot a name or face, and would be the first to give anyone the shirt off his back. He made friends wherever he went, and with his great sense of humor, Joe could always bring a smile to your face. He was truly a blessing to all who knew him.

Joni and her family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Maria Saleh for her excellent care, compassion and friendship over the years.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Joan; his two daughters Julie (Todd) Lavey, Jacki (Mike) Crum; and grandchildren Jake Lavey (fiancé Laura Now), Kristin (Eric) Jourdan, Sydney and Nicole Lavey, Talia and Olivia Crum; sisters Rosie Karsten and Katherine Mashock and brother-in-law Bob Karsten and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Shwed, his sisters, Mary Schaan, Anna Reinhardt, Mathilda Feucht and Ester Karsten.

Visitation for Joseph C. Shwed will be Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, and again from 10:00 A.M. til 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Sacred Heart Church, 678 Western Ave, Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.