Joseph “Joe” Martin Lusiak, age 78, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Mayo Hospital in Rochester,

Minnesota. Born on August 17, 1946, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, Joe lived a life marked by dedication to his family, service to his country and community, appreciation for classic cars, and a deep passion for the outdoors, especially fishing.

Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served honorably during the Vietnam War. Trained in wheeled and track vehicle repair, he completed a one-year tour before receiving an honorable discharge in 1971.  His time in the military reflected his quiet strength and sense of duty—qualities that would continue to define him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Joe began a long and varied career with the City of Kenosha. Over the years, he worked as a mechanic servicing city buses and police vehicles, served as a cement crew foreman, plowed snow, and loved being outdoors cutting grass for the Parks department.

Joe met Kathleen—his beloved Kathy—at a baseball game 55 years ago. Their bond grew quickly into a lifelong partnership rooted in love and mutual respect. Married for 53 years, they built a life filled with laughter, shared adventures, and enduring devotion. After retirement, they settled in Chippewa Falls enjoying the peaceful wilderness and days at their lake cabin.

An expert fisherman who loved being on the water in his boat. Joe had a particular fondness for pan fishing always knowing where to find the fish. He was not only skilled at catching fish but also at creating the tools to do so, with an eye for detail and craftsmanship. He mastered custom jig and lure making with remarkable precision, designing custom injection molds for plastics, crafting inline spinners, pouring jig heads by hand, and tying flies with care.  His creations were as much works of art as they were tools of his trade.

Joe enjoyed playing card games, especially Cribbage, Skip-Bo, or Rap Poker. He enjoyed his early morning card games before work with close friends and was always up for a card game with family or friends.

However, Joe’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by family. He was immensely proud of his children, James (Lisa), Paul (Araceli Cervantes), and Christopher (Stephanie); and always had words of encouragement for his grandchildren, Mary (Nick), Emily (Owen), Anna (Brady), Brandon, Max, Mason, Ann-Margret, and Carmelina, not missing an opportunity to let them know he was so proud of them. The recent arrival of his great-grandchild, Benson, brought him special happiness; he loved seeing the toddler run through his home with a toy vacuum full of energy and laughter.

He is also survived by his devoted wife Kathleen; his sister Penny (Fred) Henke; his brother-in-law, Ray Holtz Jr. and Snickers, his beloved pup who adored curling up on Joe’s lap. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ella; his brother, Bill; and in-laws, Raymond and Evelyn Holtz.

Those who knew Joe will remember him as someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone—and often leave them smiling or laughing before parting ways. He once said that he tries to make the day happier for the people he talks to when he meets them. He couldn't solve their problems, but his intent to help people even in small ways was genuine. Whether sharing stories at a local restaurant or on break at work, Joe brought lightness to those around him.

Joseph Martin Lusiak leaves behind a legacy of love for family, pride in hard work, joy in simple pleasures—and laughter shared freely. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.