OBITUARY: Joseph L. Gilsdorf

Joseph L. Gilsdorf, age 91, a Brillion resident, went home to our Lord on Monday afternoon, April 26, 2021 at Ascension Calumet Hospital, Chilton, where he was met by his son Dan and his grandson Jonathon.

He was born on September 13, 1929, son of the late Joseph and Martha (Leonard) Gilsdorf. Joe was a graduate of Hilbert High School. He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict from September 25, 1951 until September 25, 1953. On August 6, 1959 he married the former Rose Wall at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Askeaton, WI. Joe was employed at Tecumseh Products in New Holstein retiring in 1991 at the age of 62. Joe was a very active member of American Legion Post #126 of Brillion, the Brillion Optimist Club serving as past president and top pizza seller, was one of the initial board members for the open pantry St. Vincent DePaul, Brillion, and Holy Family Catholic Church, where he volunteered for the Econo receipt program and sang in the choir for many years. During his retirement he enjoyed carving and woodworking, coin and stamp collecting, puzzles and especially spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years: Rose Gilsdorf; their children: Barbara (John) Behnke, the late Daniel (Mary) Gilsdorf, Mary (Todd) Herman, Stephen (Karen) Gilsdorf and Elaine (Mark) Brochtrup; grandchildren: Jennifer & Stephen Behnke, the late Jonathon Gilsdorf, Danielle (Deven) Krepline, Michael (Carlee) Gilsdorf, Brock (fiancée Kaitlin) Gilsdorf, Spencer & Macy Herman, Stephanie (Joe) Bemis, Andrew Gilsdorf, Cole Gilsdorf and special friend Kayli, Hannah & Megan Brochtrup, and great grandchildren: Rhett, Maverick and Brooks. Also surviving are siblings and in-laws: Mary Pable, Leo (Diane) Gilsdorf, Margaret (Chris) Keij, Johanna Gilsdorf, Therese Stogner, Marie Wall, and Jerry (Donna) Wall. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was also preceded in death by a son: Daniel; a grandson: Jonathon; his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Richard and Mary (Sheahan) Wall; and siblings and in-laws: Catherine (Harold Orth & Bob Wahlmeier) Orth-Wahlmeier, Larry Pable, James Gilsdorf, William Stogner, Jim (JoAnn) Wall, Mary (Ronald) Denzel, Kathleen (Florian) Pfeffer, Eugene (Evelyn) Wall, and Charles Wall.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion. Concelebrating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Tom Pomeroy and Deacon Greg Van Thiel with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2021. A Rosary Service will conclude the visitation at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call Friday morning at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.pielhopwieting.com