Joseph J. Schlaefer

Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband Joseph John Schlaefer, 95, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 and arrived in the loving arms of his Lord after a brief battle with cancer.

Joe, affectionately referred to as “Doc”, was born on July 6, 1926 in Lomira, Wisconsin. He was the son of Frank Schlaefer and Mary (Husting) Schlaefer and brother to three adoring sisters, Helen (Zeleske) , Aggie, and Rita (Schueler).

Following in his uncle, Matt Schlaefer’s, footsteps, he attended the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. Joe established his practice in Chilton and had the pleasure of serving his community for 57 years. 

He married Florence (Kampfer) Schlaefer in 1955 and raised six children in Chilton. When Joe wasn’t working or being a dad, he was busy with his many hobbies of coin and stamp collecting, model ship building, and gardening.

Joe was an avid sports fan and a Green Bay Packer season ticket holder since 1951. He also was an excellent bridge player, bowler, and golfer.

In addition, Joe was a charter member of the Lion’s Club and a baritone player in the Chilton City Band. He was named Chilton Citizen of the Year in 2004 by the Chilton Chamber of Commerce. Joe’s other community involvement included Boy Scout leadership, Knights of Columbus, and St.Vincent De Paul Society.  
 He is survived by his wife, Florence, sons, James (Judy), Paul (Barb), Mark (Sandra), Michael (Carolyn), Mary Jo, Robert (Barb); ten grandchildren ; two great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held in the summer in Chilton.

Joe was a long-time contributor to the missionary work of his cousin Bishop Salvador Schlaefer, who inspired a nonprofit organization called Sharing A Legacy to provide eye care and glasses to underserved people of Eastern Nicaragua.  If you wish to make a donation in Joe’s memory, you may send it to:   Sharing A Legacy, 128 West Main Street, Campbellsport, WI  53010.