Racine – Jose "Joe" Zavala, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after falling at his home this past Tuesday morning.

Jose was born in Robstown, Texas on September 24, 1943 to the late Jose and Aurora (nee: Castellano) Sabala. On November 7, 1964 in Racine, Joe was united in marriage with the love of his life, Judith "Judy" (nee: Wilkinson) Zavala. Joe and Judy were anxiously awaiting to celebrate their 50th Anniversary next Friday.

Joe was employed by JI Case Company for over 34 years, retiring in 2000. He was a member of Racine Assembly of God and the Case 20 Year Club. An extreme baseball fan to say the least, Joe played city league / tournament softball for most of his life. Among his other interests, Joe was a Milwaukee Brewer fan; took great care of his 1981 El Camino; and could always find a bargain at Seven-Mile Fair. He was an awesome people person who certainly had the "gift to gab" and was known to strike up conversation with anyone & everyone. Above all, Joe loved hosting family gatherings and cherished being in the surroundings of all his loved ones – especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving wife, Judy; their children, Lisa (Victor) Segundo, Sherri (Jerry) Paltan, Joey Zavala and Carrie (Frank) Sanchez; adored grandchildren, Stacy and Stephanie Segundo; Christopher, Anthony and Alex Jaimez; Maricela, Jordan and Joey Zavala; Jayden Cruz; Frankie Cruz; Thalia and Marcelo Sanchez; great-grandchildren, Avangelina and Gianna Jaimez; sisters and brothers, Julia Flores, Gilbert Sabala, Jose (Nancy) Sabala, Connie Sabala, Mary (Jesse) Santos and Mary Ramos; sister-in-law, Pat (Truman) Trewitt; brother-in-law, John (Patti) Wilkinson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Pedro Sabala; sister, Mary Alice (Noel) Rubio; brother-in-law, Nestor Flores; and by Judy's parents, Georgina (nee: Keenan) and Hubert Calvarley.

Funeral services celebrating Joe's life will be held in Racine Assembly of God, 1325 Airline Rd., on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 11:00 am with Rev. Ed Walker officiating. Entombment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 10-11 am. In honor of Joe's passion for baseball, all are encouraged to wear their favorite baseball team apparel to the visitation & funeral.