Earl Joseph Nokes

Earl Joseph Nokes, age 83, from Two Rivers, WI passed away on May 7th, 2026, with his family tending to him for weeks at Two Rivers Aurora Hospital, after a recent cancer diagnosis.

Earl was born on August 13, 1942 to his mother, Lucille (Devine) Nokes (Lac du Flambeau enrolled member, Lac Court Oreilles Nation and Bad River Nation) in Hayward, WI. His father was Marvin Earl Smith (Oneida Nation). Earl was raised by his mother and grandmother until Lucille married Willard Nokes when Earl was approximately age 7, upon which Willard adopted Earl as his own son. Willard and Lucille strengthened their family further with three children of their own, Lou Ann, Alberta, and Jim.

Earl was an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation (Green Bay, WI) and a recognized descendant of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, 7/8 Native American.

Earl was proud to be a United States Army veteran. He served three years immediately after high school and was stationed in Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division, also known as “Tropic Lightning.” The divisional crest features a taro leaf centered around a lightning bolt, often called the “Electric Strawberry.” While serving in the 25th ID, he was a tank crew member (driver) and earned a Sharpshooter Qualification. 

Earl built a life centered around caring for his wife, JoAnn, and the family that they created together in Two Rivers, WI. Earl and JoAnn Florence Nokes (Fricke) were married in Milwaukee, WI on January 25, 1967 at St John’s Cathedral on Cathedral Square. They worked hard to create a life of opportunity for their children Candice (Mark) Truesdell Nokes, Kim (Jason) Nokes-Stenz, and Christopher (Annette) Earl Nokes. You knew Earl loved you if he teased you, banter which he sprinkled heavily throughout family board games, outdoor games, card games, and shooting the breeze.

Earl was known for and blessed with extraordinary skill in the crane industry. He deeply loved his career building and repairing cranes across the United States, Canada, and other countries. After completing a journeyman apprenticeship, Earl began his career at the Manitowoc Company in the mid-1970’s. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139.  

In the late 1980’s Earl co-created Big Red Crane Service, Two Rivers, WI with a few of his colleagues, including his extremely close friend, Conrad Kustka. Earl considered himself lucky to work alongside Gabe, a colleague on the East Coast, creating a lifelong friendship. Richie from Massachusetts held a special place of camaraderie and respect in Earl's heart. Earl shared numerous stories with his family about many, many people he had grown to know and respect on his travels throughout the years. The lifelong friends he made, and the laughs he shared doing what he loved best, was a true gift in his eyes.

Earl often said that Big Red could not have been successful without the backbone of his wife, JoAnn, who ordered the parts and managed the books for Big Red. Her dedicated work for Big Red, as well as at home, made his dream career a reality.

Earl was happiest in the outdoors, as well as traveling with JoAnn or the whole family to destinations near and far. Earl especially loved his time spent with JoAnn on the Gulf, on the Florida-Alabama coast. Point Beach State Forest was also a lifelong, almost daily destination in his later years.  

Earl was always moving and learning new things. Photography, woodworking, cars (racing and repairing), hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, and new technology filled his days. Golf grew into one of Earl’s significant passions as he grew older, remarkably participating in three golf leagues at age 81. Sharing outdoor lunch with his golf friends afterward was a highlight of his days. He especially loved to golf with his partner-in-crime, Robert Krause, for many years.

Music was a lifelong love, accompanying Earl on any journey or situation, including his last weeks and hours of life. Music filled every day of his life and his family is grateful for this influence and lifetime full of memories.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Nokes; Three children, Candice (Mark) Truesdell Nokes, Kim (Jason) Nokes-Stenz, and Christopher (Annette) Earl Nokes; Sister, Alberta (Jim) Chaloupka and brother Jim (Sue) Nokes; Grandchildren, Ian (Julia), Kylie, and Liam; Beloved Nieces and Nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Nokes; adoptive father, Willard Nokes; father, Marvin Earl Smith; Beloved Sister, Lou Ann Bondaug and nephew, BJ Bondaug. 

Earl's Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 13th at the Franciscan Center, 6751 Calumet Avenue, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Visitation from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Service will be at 2:30 p.m. with Military Honors Salute. Buffet luncheon, drinks, and gathering to be provided following the service, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. at the Franciscan Center.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl Joseph Nokes, please visit our floral store.