Josephine Emily (Pavek) Anstutz, aka "Josie Wales" passed peacefully in her home where she resided in Antigo, WI. She fought a very courageous battle with brain cancer and finally fell victim on December 6th, 2017 under the care of her daughter and LeRoyer hospice in-home care.
Born in Polar, Wisconsin on September 15, 1938. Josephine is survived by her Daughter, Lori (Anstutz-Kulpinski) Chartier, (Donald Chartier JR) of Wausau. Two Grandsons, Micah and Jag Kulpinski both attending UW Green Bay, and her special friend Jim Shannon. Two brothers Joe Pavek (Therese Mackiewicz), Jim (Gina) Pavek. Two Sisters Judy Kegler and Jane McMahon. Her two brothers and younger sister were there for her at the very end. She had many friends, too many to list, but Mary Krueger, Carol Fronek, Margie Pavek-Mach, she loved you so very much.
Josie was preceded in death by her father & mother, Joseph and Josephine Pavek. Her husband Ray Anstutz and her only son, Paul Anstutz. Also, her mother-in-law Virginia Kulpinski, son-in-law Stuart Kulpinski and step grandson Brad Chartier.
She has many nieces and nephews, and several of them, Jackie, Jolynn, Stephine, sat and comforted her when she needed it the most. Josie lived for her three closest companions, her loving cats, Snickers, Polly and Charlie. Her life circled around the love of animals especially horses, country music, raspberry-flower gardens and her beloved cats.
Born on a Dairy Farm in Polar, Wisconsin, Josie was a very hard worker. After Graduation from High School she ventured off on her own to Florida where she was looking forward to spending her life in the bakery and restaurant business. The passing of her Father summoned Josie back to Wisconsin to help her mother on the family dairy farm. This is when she met her husband Ray, and started her family. She had several career jobs, working at the Amron Corporation for many years and then directing traffic for Payne & Dolan construction company. Josie's favorite job was working as a security guard at Mole Lake casino until she retired. She often bragged about learning the ropes, and after retirement used her knowledge of the slot machines as one of her hobbies. She loved beating the odds and the machines, and unlike many that came home with less then they left, Josie was one that did, "out-smart" the casino odds and those one-armed bandits.
Although Josie lived a very conservative life, she loved to travel. Making a memorable cruise with her daughter Lori to Cozumel and Belize, her wedding in Las Vegas by helicopter, a family vacation in Cancun, and recently a trip to visit her nephew Joe in California with her brother and sister.
Josie loved to take walks along the River Front in Antigo, so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made for a special park bench dedicated to Josie that will be placed on the riverfront walkway in Antigo. Donations can be sent in care of Lori Chartier, 1709 Statesman Drive, Wausau, WI 54403. Josie's last wish was that no funeral be arranged and no after party or celebration of life take place, her exact words were, " I do not want to use my hard earned money to go for a party I will not be able to attend...." Josie was truly a member of our "Greatest Generation."

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