Joseph “Joe” William Cigan Sr.

Joseph “Joe” William Cigan Sr. passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at the age of 90, at Country Terrace in Stanley.

Joe was born to Wasil and Tillie (Telisik) Cigan, July 17, 1930, at home on the family farm, in the Town of Ruby.

He received his elementary education at the Ruby School and graduated from Stanley High School in 1948. After completing high school, he attended UW-River Falls for one year, then returned home to run the family farm.

Joe lived on the family farm for 73 years, before moving to Stanley in 2003.

He married Rita Breitzman Oct. 29, 1955, at the Russian Orthodox Church in Huron. To this union, six children were born.

In his early career, Joe sold Badger farm equipment and later Clay farm equipment in northwest Wisconsin. He then became involved in purchasing and selling cattle, which led him to a lifelong career in sales.

Joe was also an auctioneer for 30 years. His three sons all became auctioneers and with Joe, formed the Cigan Auction Team. Joe truly enjoyed working with his sons and seeing them grow in their auctioneer abilities.

He was also proud of his grandchildren and other family members who assisted in the auctions, either by clerking or running the office. Throughout Joe’s career, he showed compassion to those who were in danger of losing their farms and did what he could to help them.

Joe served for 10 years, on the Chippewa Valley Electric board of directors and the Lake Holcombe School Board.

He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 65 years – Rita; his six children – Deb (Otis) Gallett, Gilman, Linda Boettcher, Holcombe, Mark (Brenda) Cigan, Holcombe, Laura (Darren) Story, Fond du lac, Tom (Denise) Cigan, Chippewa Falls, and Joe Cigan Jr., Chippewa Falls; from these six children came thirteen grandchildren – Odessa, Sara and Brianna, Mathew and Lacey, Derek, Amy and Samantha, Skylar and Kendra, and Ashley, Mariah and Tyler; and to this date, 17 great-grandchildren; and his sister – Loraine Springer, Barron.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Pete and Nick; and sisters – Martha and Margaret.

A private family service will be held now, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family.