TRAVERSE CITY — Joseph J. Waslawski, 89, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, March 25, 2011, at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center. Joe was born April 12, 1921, in Cedar, to the late Joseph J. and Josephine (Rosinski) Waslawski. He married Joanne C. Winowiski on Oct. 20, 1948, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Joe proudly served our country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was initially stationed in Traverse City and then transferred to Argentina, South America. After his time in the service he returned to the area and worked at Milliken's as a home décor installation specialist. After his retirement in 1983, he enjoyed being actively involved in the Eagles. During his time with the Eagles he was named The State of Michigan Father of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the Michigan State Hall of Fame, also in 1997. Joe served as the Eagles president and was honored with the National Outstanding Contribution Award in 2001. He was also a dedicated member of St. Francis Catholic Church. Surviving Joe are his wife of 62 years, Joanne; siblings, Blanch Jozwiak, Leona Bush, Alice Waclawski and Andy Waclawski; sister-in-law, Jeannette Herzina; special niece, Patty (Lauren) Chapple; and several other nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Isadore, Noah and Clemence; and sisters, Orpha Cunningham and Machaeline Novak. All of Joe's family would like to thank Bay Ridge Assisted Living for the wonderful care given to Joe. Visitation for Joe will be held on Tuesday, March 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a 6 p.m. rosary recitation, held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Francis Catholic Church or to the Eagles Post 383. Please sign Joe's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.