Obituary for Joseph "Joe" Graber Huggins
Joseph “Joe” Graber Huggins, 78, of Winnebago, died Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. He was born October 3, 1943 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dodgeville, WI, the son of John Leo and Elizabeth Magdalene (Graber) Huggins. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1962 and the University of Wisconsin Platteville with Bachelor of Science, Arts and Science in 1971 and with a Master in Education, Guidance Counseling in 1973.
Joe was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from April 25, 1966 through October 27, 1969 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in Antigo, WI, Great Falls, MT and Khorat, Thailand. Joe married Sally Jo Metcalf on April 15, 1967 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville, WI.
Joe was a Guidance Counselor at Winnebago High School from 1973 through 1982. He then was a Dislocated Worker Program Counselor and Director of Grant Programs at Rock Valley College in Rockford from 1983 through 2003.
Joe was an avid supporter of Winnebago athletics, the Green Bay Packers and the Winnebago Community. He was an avid gardener and supporter of all of his children’s and grandson’s activities and most proud of JJ’s recent Eagle Scout award. He also enjoyed golf and collecting depression glass and antiques. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pecatonica where he served many years as an usher. He also was a member of the Winnebago Lions Club, Winnebago Fans Club and previously was involved with AFS Intercultural Programs.
Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sally Huggins; daughter, Paula Huggins; son, Ronald Huggins; grandson, James “JJ” Huggins all of Winnebago; sisters, Elizabeth (Ted) Harris of Viroqua, WI, Vicki May of Menominee, MI; sister-in-law, Vera Huggins of Baltimore, MD; several nephews and nieces.
Joe is predeceased by his grandson, Thomas Huggins; brother, John “Jack” Huggins; brothers-in-law, Donald May, Thomas Metcalf.
Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 126 W. 5th St., Pecatonica with Reverend Dennis M. Morrissy officiating. Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago.
Interment at Winnebago Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
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Joe was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from April 25, 1966 through October 27, 1969 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in Antigo, WI, Great Falls, MT and Khorat, Thailand. Joe married Sally Jo Metcalf on April 15, 1967 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville, WI.
Joe was a Guidance Counselor at Winnebago High School from 1973 through 1982. He then was a Dislocated Worker Program Counselor and Director of Grant Programs at Rock Valley College in Rockford from 1983 through 2003.
Joe was an avid supporter of Winnebago athletics, the Green Bay Packers and the Winnebago Community. He was an avid gardener and supporter of all of his children’s and grandson’s activities and most proud of JJ’s recent Eagle Scout award. He also enjoyed golf and collecting depression glass and antiques. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pecatonica where he served many years as an usher. He also was a member of the Winnebago Lions Club, Winnebago Fans Club and previously was involved with AFS Intercultural Programs.
Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sally Huggins; daughter, Paula Huggins; son, Ronald Huggins; grandson, James “JJ” Huggins all of Winnebago; sisters, Elizabeth (Ted) Harris of Viroqua, WI, Vicki May of Menominee, MI; sister-in-law, Vera Huggins of Baltimore, MD; several nephews and nieces.
Joe is predeceased by his grandson, Thomas Huggins; brother, John “Jack” Huggins; brothers-in-law, Donald May, Thomas Metcalf.
Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 126 W. 5th St., Pecatonica with Reverend Dennis M. Morrissy officiating. Visitation 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago.
Interment at Winnebago Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established. For an online obituary and tributes go to www.genandtfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
15
Mar
4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Genandt Funeral Home
602 N. Elida St.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Funeral Mass
Wednesday
16
Mar
11:00 AM
St. Mary's Catholic Church
126 W. 5th St.
Pecatonica, IL 61063
Cemetery Details
Location
Winnebago Cemetery
Westfield Rd.
Winnebago, IL 61088
Memorial Contribution
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.
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