Joseph Chernach, 25, of Hixton, Wis., passed away Thursday, June 7, 2012, at his home. He was born July 11, 1986, in Lansing, Mich., to Debra Pyka (Osegard) and Jeffrey Chernach. Joe attended Hixton and Arcadia Elementary Schools and then attended Forest Park Elementary and graduated from Forest Park High School, Crystal Falls, in 2005, as an honor student. Joe then went on to 5 years of college at Central Michigan University. He was currently employed by Black River Falls School District. Joe was a talented athlete and received many awards, some of which included, captain of the football team, 2004 Class D MI football runner-up; Upper Peninsula State pole vault champion; Upper Peninsula State wrestling champion; and Forest Park High School Male Athlete of the Year. Joe also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Debra (Fred) Pyka, Hixton, Jeffrey Chernach, Crystal Falls; brothers and sisters, Tyler (Michelle) Chernach, Seth Chernach, Nicole Pyka, and Samantha Pyka; two nieces, Braylee Chernach, Layla O' Quinn; paternal grandmother, Violetta Chernach, Merrillan; other family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lester and Marjorie Osegard; paternal grandfather, Frank Chernach. The visitation will be Tuesday, June 12, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, Crystal Falls. The funeral service will be 12:30 p.m., Tuesday at the church. Rev. Nathan Reed will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. You may light a candle in remembrance of Joe or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.