Joseph J. Kirschner

Joseph J. “Joe” Kirschner, of Leesburg, Fla., previously of Fredonia, Wis., was welcomed into heaven peacefully to be with his loving wife Patricia Sunday afternoon, April 19, 2020, at the age of 85. He was an awesome dad to his children Michael of Germantown, Wis., Jeffrey (Julie) of Sheboygan, Wis., and Kathy (Thomas) Schneider of Little Kohler, Wis. He was a proud grandpa of Melinda, Joey, Alexis, Ryan, Samantha, Caittlyn and Leslie; and an amazing great-grandpa to Madelyn, Gabriel and Demarre Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (nee Monka); parents Albert and Amelia (nee Karl); siblings Lucille, Hazel, Alan, Roland and Vernon; daughter Marjorie (Scott) Hagenow; daughter-in-law Janet (Michael) Kirschner; grandson Jacob; and great-grandson Emmanuel. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and by special friend Patricia Krell of Leesburg, Fla. Joe was born March 14, 1935, in Powers, Mich., to Albert and Amelia (nee Karl) Kirschner. He worked on the family dairy farm until moving to Milwaukee to take a job at American Can Co., where he became a millwright and met his future wife Patricia Monka, whom he wed in Sept. of 1955. Joe served six years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves as a medic. After a short stay in the Detroit suburb of Warren, Mich., due to a job transfer they returned to Wisconsin in 1968, settling in Fredonia, where they raised their four children. Joe was a charter member of Northern Ozaukee Ambulance of Fredonia, which started in 1973. He served as president of the Fredonia Lions Club from 1990 to 1991, receiving the 100% Presidents Club award from Lions International. Joe retired from American Can Co. in 1989 after more than 35 years of service. An avid Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers fan he always enjoyed watching a good game and occasionally attended games in person. In retirement, Joe enjoyed traveling, golfing, dining out and spending time with friends and family; returning regularly to Wisconsin for holidays and other special occasions. Joe was a supportive, generous and hardworking man. Family came first and foremost. He always looked on the bright side of life, always ready with a helping hand or words of encouragement. He will be missed by many, forgotten by none, loved by all. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the We Believe Foundation, founded in honor of Joe’s grandson Jacob after his battle with leukemia and dedicated to provide support to the pediatric oncology patients and families of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, www.webelievefoundation.net. Due to the recent coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying social distancing guidelines, a funeral visitation and mass will be held in the future. Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.