Joseph P. Rich

Joseph P. Rich passed away March 8, 2022 at home with Joy by his side.

Joe was born July 1, 1930 to Mary (Zellner) and Leonard Rich. Joe grew up in Maribel where he went to grade school and then to High School in Kellnersville and Lincoln in Manitowoc. He was a Sgt in the Air Force and later was a wheelsman and watchman in the Merchant Marines. He graduated in criminal investigation from Chicago Institute where he declined a job in Washington, D.C. to stay in the area.

Joe was quite the diverse man--he fought forest fires in S. Dakota, rescued failing ships on the Great Lakes, drove stock cars, played ball for Maribel in the Manitowoc County League, bowled in Denmark and Wayside, helped build the Maribel Sportsman Club where he was a director for a number of years, served as an usher for St. James Church in Cooperstown, delivered Meals on Wheels, was a poll worker, and worked for the Dept. of Agriculture. Joe also loved playing cribbage and sheepshead, watching all sports, and was a Packer season ticket holder for 57 years. Joe retired from the US Postal Service in Green Bay.

Joe was married to Joy Lynn Kornely for over 50 years and together had four children. Joe was very proud of Heather and husband Bill Fencl and their sons, Gage Joseph, Kaine Joseph (Lindsay), Jake Joseph Fencl; Amber Rich and husband Mike Fencl and their children, Violet Alice and Porter Joseph Fencl; Nathan and wife Billie Pope Rich; Autumn and husband Greg Farrell; one sister-in-law Mary Rich; one brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Sue Kornely, two nieces, Erin Kornely and Allison (Ryan) Widder; two nephews, John (Donna) Rich and Andrew Rich; three great nephews, Adam and Michael Rich and Ryker Widder; five God children. Preceded in death by his parents; brother and best friend, Len; 5 half-sisters and 5 half-brothers, 1 God son, many friends and family, and his faithful dogs.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at St. James Catholic Church, Cooperstown (18228 County Rd R, Denmark). The Rev. Santiago Turiano Jr. will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Cremation will follow the service. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Kellnersville is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Joe was the quintessential nice guy.

Death is only a passing, not an ending.

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