Josephine Wotasek

Josephine Radwanski Wotasek FORT OGLETHORPE Josephine Wotasek, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. She was born in Bound Brook, N. J. Feb. 8, 1916, and was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her parents, Michael and Katharina Radwanski; sister, Adele; brothers, Eddie and Michael; her oldest son, Richard; and her son-in-law, Dr. Craig Depken. She is survived by her brothers, Joseph Radwanski, of Bound Brook, N. J., and Fred Radwanski, of Phoenix, Ariz.; her daughter, Gerry Depken, of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.; her son, Robert "Bob" (Judy), of Stockton, N.J.; daughter-in-law, Cynthia, of Lost Creek, W.Va. She enjoyed her years with her eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter and seamstress. Many children throughout the United States have one of "Grandma Jos baby afghans, including adopted babies and accident survivors. Extra-long afghans in SEC colors were gifted to local teenager cancer patients. She enjoyed being a USO World War II re-enactor in local events with the Sixth U.S. Cavalry Museum in Fort Olgethorpe. She danced with General Patton, had high tea with President Franklin Roosevelt and rode a motorcycle with "D-Day" . She raced around the Charlotte Speedway with her grandson, saw the Hindenberg in 1937 just before it landed at Lakehurst, N.J., and ignited. And listened to Orsen Wells "War of the Worlds" on the radio in 1938, knowing that the Martians had not landed in Princeton, 15 miles south of her home, while her neighbors rushed to the Watchung Mountains to escape the invaders. During her final years, she became a student of the history of the American Revolution and the War Between the States and enjoyed visiting battlefields and historic sites with her daughter. "Grandma Jo" always had a smile for everyone she met. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Raritan, New Jersey are requested. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2016, in the New Somerville Cemetery, Somerville, N.J., at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe and Bridgewater Funeral Home, Bridgewater, N.J.