Joseph A. Felske
Joseph Anthony Felske, age 87, of Pine River, died peacefully at home on Monday, October 7, 2024.
He was born November 14, 1936, in West Allis, WI, the son of Joseph and Catherine Mayer Felske. Joe was baptized and confirmed at Saint Mathias. On November 6, 1958, Joe was united in marriage to Judy Kau of New Berlin. They lived in Racine while he worked construction and then farmed. On June 6, 1966, they moved north and bought a dairy farm in rural Pine River where they farmed until retirement in 2008.
Joe was always one to be very kind, generous, and selfless, always offering a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He loved animals! Joe always had dogs and raised various animals alongside the many cows, chickens, ducks, peacocks and Guinea hens. He was even known to bring home raccoons, snakes or even a skunk on occasion. Joe liked old trucks and loved spending time with family and friends, telling stories of the old days and retelling the fun adventures of the many visitors that frequented the house. He especially liked working the land. Had a silo not caught fire in 2008, chances are strong Joe would still be working in the barn until he couldn’t. His strong work ethic was picked up by his kids and the many grandkids that also grew up helping him and Judy in the barn and in the fields.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; three children, Michael (Jill) Felske, Catherine Hansen and Debbie (Kevin) Watson; seven grandchildren, Christy (Bill) Hahn, Rebecca Hansen, Tony Watson, Jesse (Krista) Watson, CarrieAnn Rohm, Joseph M. Felske and Kiley Larson; 10 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Morgan, Madison and McKenna Hahn, Izzy Acello, Riley Meyer, Stevie and Stephon Rohm, and Isla and Rosalie Watson; two sisters, Catherine Wagner and Mary Ann Schuda; one brother, John (Gloria) Felske; and many other extended family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Wayne Hansen; sister, Betty (Garland) DeLarue; nephews, Steven DeLarue, Jim DeLarue and Scott Wagner; and brothers-in-law, Gene Schuda and Earl Wagner.
At Joe’s request, a private family gathering will take place on the farm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola-Hempel Funeral Chapel in Poy Sippi. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Joseph Felske, c/o Barbola-Hempel Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Poy Sippi, WI 54967.
Online condolences may be submitted and sent using the form below. You may also email condolences to the family through "barbolafc@yahoo.com". All condolences are private and sent only to the family.