Joseph F. “Joe” Wavrin, age 56 of Hudson WI, died on Sunday morning, January 13, 2013 at The Gathering at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights MN. Joe was born December 18, 1956 in Duluth MN to parents Clarence and Angelina (Stine) Wavrin. Joe attended school in Cloquet, and graduated from Cloquet Senior High School. After high school, Joe earned a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota. He later earned his second bachelors degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Metro State University. Not one to be tied to a desk, Joe worked as a delivery driver for A. Johnson & Sons Florist in St. Paul.

Those closest to Joe know him as a “gentle giant”; a kind and caring soul who had an immense gift for empathizing with people.  Joe was an intellectual man who was well read, played piano, and enjoyed classical music. Joe was a nature lover and an animal lover. Joe had a fondness for the beauty held in the mountains of Colorado. Here at home, he enjoyed being active and outdoors while hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Joe is survived by his partner, Jim Mattacola and his daughters Maggie and Ali Mattacola; his sister, Kathleen Ketala; niece, Sandy (Joel) Smith; nephews, Steven Ketala and David Ketala; uncle, Leonard (Lee) Stine; his beloved cats Ferris and Miso; many other relatives and a multitude of good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Angie.

A Memorial Service honoring the life of Joe Wavrin will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th Street South in Hudson. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Memorials to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 200 S Executive Dr., Brookfield WI 53005. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI, and the Countryside Crematory. 715-386-3725