Joseph Favreau

Stoughton- Joseph Leon "Lee" Favreau, age 96, came to the end of his pilgrimage on October 30, 2016. He was born October 26, 1920 in Bottinea, North Dakota, the son of Charles and Marie (DeMers) Favreau and lived in Rolla, North Dakota.

He attended schools in North Dakota. In 1937 he graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, MN at the age of sixteen. In 1938, he attended St. Boniface College in Winnipeg, Manitoba to study the French language.

He enrolled at Marquette University and his studies were interrupted by WWII. Lee volunteered for aviation cadet training in Texas. On January 7, 1944, he not only received his wings and graduated from single engine pilot training, Lee also married the love of his life, Lilly J. Writzmann of Milwaukee WI, in Eagle Pass, Texas.

He was appointed as a single engine aircraft instructor, Lee and Lilly moved to Enid, Oklahoma for duty. Following the end of the war, they returned to Marquette University where he earned a degree in journalism. After working on the staff of the Milwaukee Sentinel, he purchased the Loyal Tribune in Loyal, WI where he remained as publisher for ten years.

In 1961, he accepted a position for the State of Wisconsin Printing Division in Madison moving first to Verona and then to a farm south of Stoughton. Upon retirement in 1982, Lee and Lilly started to spend the winters in warmer climates. First in Arizona and then in Lady Lake, Florida. They lived on the farm until 1990, when they moved to Vennevoll in Stoughton.

Lee was a member of St. Ann's Parish in Stoughton, a volunteer at Nazareth House, Senior Center, Skaalen Home, Meals on Wheels, St. Ann's Ministry of the Sick and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Among his hobbies were wood carving, gardening, computers, farming, journalism, supporting missions and charitable organizations. He chaperoned and volunteered for many Special Olympic events.

Lee is survived by eight children, Joe Favreau (Sande), Jacquie Kennedy, Patricia Soell (Art), Jan Kretlow (Bob), Meg Veek (Bob), Jim Favreau, Beth Sharp(Steve), John (Laurie); 21 grand-children, and 29 great grand-children; and a sister Corinne Bateson. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lilly, son Tom Favreau and brother Don Favreau.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Stoughton. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of services Friday at church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: St. Ann's Endowment Fund, Comboni Lay Missionaries and Home Health United Hospice.

Lee's life was a strong testament to his love and devotion to his family. He encouraged his children, grand & great-grandchildren to never stop learning, continue to educate yourself, the importance of family cohesiveness, giving back to the community, and using your skills and talents to create things.

We are at peace, knowing your soul rejoices with the Lord and other loved ones who have preceded you.

The family wishes to thank our sister Jacquie for fifteen years of caregiving to our dad, Msgr. Gerard Healy, caregiver Jenny Lynch, Home Health United Hospice and St. Ann's Parish family.

Please share your memories of Lee.

Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244