Joseph E. Wilson Jr.

Joseph E. Wilson Jr., 87, joyously spent the holidays with his family in Manitowoc, WI. Then the Lord called him home on December 30th, 2024. There Joe united with his entire heavenly family in what was a jubilant Wilson celebration.

Joe’s genuine kindness, good-natured personality, and willingness to help others was a beacon of inspiration to those around him.  Affectionately known as “Bunny” by his family and friends, Joe graduated from Two Rivers Washington High School in 1955. He enlisted in the US Navy where he served honorably for 4 years on the USS Newport News, a heavy cruiser.  Joe demonstrated his zeal for learning and a sense of duty which earned him a promotion to helmsman within his tenure as a seaman. During this time, he met Audrey Kaufman while on leave in Manitowoc. They fell in love and married on July 4th, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Manitowoc.  Joe then completed his tour of duty with the Navy. His favorite memory of his service was when he played Honors for President Eisenhower aboard the ship. It was after this that Joe got to shake President Eisenhower’s hand, in recognition of the impeccable performance.

After serving with the US Navy, Joe honorably returned home to Wisconsin to start a family and his career.  His knowledge of metalwork led him to work for Hamilton Manufacturing Co. and Kelvinator Commercial where his attention to detail and commitment to quality set him on a career path in quality control.

Joe’s dedication to service led him to join the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he enlisted after active duty in the Navy. There he diligently worked to become an Officer with command over an entire battalion. After many years of duty, Joe retired as a Captain in the National Guard.  His leadership and devotion to his Country were his guiding principles in life and continue to serve those that he leaves behind.  Joe was always proud of the United States and treasured his memories of serving our great nation.

As he passed on, Joe leaves behind his family which includes:  one daughter and son-in-law: Cindy and Randy Stichert in Manitowoc; one son and daughter-in-law: Scott Wilson and Diane Kosarzycki, and his favorite grandson, Zeno Wilson all in Milwaukee; four sisters-in-law: Sharen Wilson, Mary Lou Wilson, both in Two Rivers; Lana Wilson in Grafton, and Jeanette Knowles in DeForest.

Joe, the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Agnes Gehrke Wilson, grew up in Two Rivers WI.  He had 5 brothers:  Norman Wilson, Richard Wilson, John & Sherry Wilson, Gerald Wilson, Ronald Wilson; five sisters: Shirley & Roderick Doubek, Roberta & David Tice, Joan & James Taylor, Doris & Charles Kaiser, and Corrine & Dale Pekarek.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 9th at Pfeffer Funeral Home (928 S 14th St.) in Manitowoc. Service begins at 1pm. Following services, Military Honors will be accorded by the Manitowoc Amvets Post #99 at Knollwood Memorial Gardens.

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

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