Joseph. F. Wildenberg
Wildenberg, Joseph F
It is with great sadness that the family of Joe Wildenberg announces his passing after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was called to join his Savior while at home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at the age of 77 years.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Mary (Guenther), and his children Anne (Elmer) Waystedt and Kathleen (Donald) Betters.
Joe (Papa, Grandpa Joe) will be tenderly remembered by his four grandchildren, Joseph and Nicole Waystedt and Rachel and Shawn Betters.
He is further survived by his Sister-in-law Margaret (Guenther) Dauterman and Brother-in-law Gregory Dauterman, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Mary’s family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Hazel Wildenberg, brother Donald Wildenberg, Father and Mother-in-law Marvin and Katherine Guenther, and extended family members.
Joe was born to Hazel (Marcoe) and Leon Wildenberg on July 28, 1940 in Fond du Lac.
After spending his grade school years in the one room schoolhouse in Van Dyne, he graduated from St. Mary’s Springs Academy in 1958.
On September 11, 1965 Joe married his sweetheart Mary at St. Joseph’s Parish in Fond du Lac.
Joe worked for the County of Fond du Lac, Gateway Transportation, and Mercury Marine, before finding his dream trucking job at International Paper (answering to the handle “Lucky Pup”).
He retired from truck driving on January 1, 1998.
Joe was a proud member of the NRA, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, and Wisconsin Bowhunters Association.
An avid outdoorsman, Joe had a passion for fishing and hunting just about everything.
As a member of the Blue Line Hockey Club, he spent countless hours coaching girls’ hockey, making ice, cheering on the home team, and volunteering in the concession stand. A fan of Indy Car Racing, Joe attended a total of 50 Indy 500 races.
Joe loved to camp with Mary, his daughters, and the grandkids.
He was happiest when his house was filled with noisy, energetic teenagers.
His greatest pleasure came from his family and the countless hours he spent cheering on his grandchildren in gyms, fields, and auditoriums.
He was always willing to offer advice, whether solicited or not, often in a straightforward and not-so-politically correct manner.
Down to his last hours he entertained his grandkids with dating advice and fish stories, vary aware that he was surrounded by family.
A private Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Joe can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Agnesian Healthcare Hospice.
The Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.