Josephine Elizabeth (Garm) Wayda

Josephine Wayda, born a Leap Year Baby on February 29, 1920, was the youngest of 5 children born to Johanna (Zimmerman) and Jake Garm of Sheldon, Wisconsin. 

Her mother died at an early age, and upon her father’s marriage to Anna Poloncic, she acquired 5 stepsiblings and later, a half-brother! Her father often remarked that Jo was his best farmhand! Eventually, Jo made it to Chicago where she met and married Harry Wayda, enjoying 59 years of marriage together, until his death in 2009.   In the 1960’s, they moved to Spooner where Jo worked as a hair stylist.  

A life-long learner, she studied topics from garden pest control to dream interpretation! Jo’s craftiness was evident by her homemade Halloween costumes, embroidered pieces, crocheted afghans and hats, oil paintings, and her famous dill pickles!  She and Harry loved playing card games, dancing, ice fishing, and watching the birds from their kitchen window. Her pets, Buffy and Bette, held a special place in her heart. A faithful member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish, Jo was a kind and gentle woman who lived her Faith.

She is survived by nieces, nephews, and friends near and far.

 A special Thank-You to Jo’s devoted friend, Mary Ann Kies, and the Shell Lake Care Center staff for her wonderful care.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 409 Summit Street in Spooner, where visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of Mass.  Interment will be held at 3 P.M. in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

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