On January 11, 2018 God reached out His hand and whispered “Peace be with you”, grasped his hand in His and welcomed Joseph Michael home.

Joe was born September 18, 1962 in Marshfield, WI to Marvin and Lorraine (Tomkowiak) Michalski.  Joe grew up in Marshfield and attended St John the Baptist Catholic Church and school.  He served as an altar boy and became active in Boy Scouts while in grade school.  Joe earned his Eagle Scout in high school, an honor he and his four brothers all achieved.  Joe was a 1981 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School.

The summer before his senior year Joe joined the Army National Guard and served 6 years and was honorably discharged.  He graduated with a BBA in 1988 from UW Oshkosh.  After graduation Joe made his home in Oshkosh and worked in sales at Zillges Landscape and Fireplace and Pekin Insurance.  He was currently employed at Oshkosh Fleet Farm.  Whether Joe was working for an employer or helping family and friends, he was always recognized for his strong work ethic.

Joe had a heart as big as Texas and family meant everything to him.  He had a love for the outdoors and looked forward to the annual deer hunt and the weeklong stay at the “bull shack” with his Dad and brothers.  He served as the camp cook and “Grill master”.  Joe could talk to anyone, but being a kid at heart his true gift was his ability to talk with kids at their level.

His nieces and nephews meant the world to him and at family gatherings he could often be found in the living room with the kids crawling up, over, under and around Joe as they giggled and screamed with laughter. Just this past Christmas Joe earned another nickname, in addition to Big Joe, Grill master and Uncle Joe Joe, Jungle Joe was added to the list.  The kids have many fond memories of him. Joe loved NASCAR, was a diehard Packer fan and the ultimate Trekkie.

Joe is survived by his Mom, his brothers and sisters, Steve and Nila Michalski, Carol and Dan Jansen, Sara and fiancé Dave Stoflet, Charlet and Wally Endsley, Jim and Jan Michalski, John and Tanya Michalski and Scott and Stacy Michalski, numerous nieces and nephews and his Oshkosh family Dan and Lori Kirk and Andy Kriege.

Joe was preceded in death by his Dad and Joe’s girlfriend Sandy Clark, whom Joe affectionately referred to as “the warden” and with whom he found strength, purpose and love.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 11:00 am on Friday until service time. Deacon Edward Tomkowiak will officiate, and burial will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield.

Joe, whenever we lose a board game or that 10^th pin just won’t fall we will hear you say “stupid game”, laugh and know you are with us.  BUH!

(We could state: In lieu of flowers, the family will designate a memorial in Joe’s name)

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembs fh.com