Joseph L. Novitzke

Joseph (Joe) L. Novitzke, age 85 of Minocqua, WI died at home with his family by his side, from complications of congestive heart failure and diabetes. Joseph was born on July 9, 1929 in the town of Emmet, WI the son of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Boehm-Novitzke. Joe met Darlene Straub at a dance at Rib River Ballroom in Marathon and were married September 5, 1951 in Edgar and honeymooned in Chicago.
Joe retired from Drott/J.I. Case after 36 ½ years as a hydraulic technician in 1986.
Joe was a member of the Fluid Power Society and “The Institute for Certification of Engineering Technicians”, after taking technical training from Wausau’s North Central Technical College for welding-electrical and hydraulics. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7827, and of the Northern Hornshoe Snowmobile Club.
They lived in the Schofield area for many years.
Joe and his wife Darlene have had lakeside property for the last 54 years, which they have shared with family and friends.
He enjoyed entertaining people with his concertina, snowmobiling, fishing, and boating, watching nascar racing, playing cards and visits from their children and grandchildren on the weekends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Darlene of Minocqua, WI and a wonderful father to four children: Larry & (Bonney) Novitzke of Ringle, WI; Roger (Pam Ruzga) Novitzke of Stevens Point, WI; Sandra (Richard) LeDuc of Merrill, WI and Judy (Todd) Jones of Schofield, WI. He was a proud grandfather of: Jason (Emine) Novitzke of Florida, Heath (Jessi) Novitzke of Marshfield, Jennifer (Tony) Wester of Green Bay, and Daniel Jones and Jordyn Kachel of Schofield and by three great-grandchildren: Wesley, Wyatt, Rylie Novitzke of Marshfield, and baby Wester due in December. Further survived by two brothers: Jim (Dory) Novitzke of Milwaukee, WI and Marlin (Mary) Novitzke of Edgar, WI and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his Parents: Joseph Sr. and Mother Lucy and Sister Joyce Knetter and Brother Melvin.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15th at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, WI from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 16th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI at 11:00 AM with a visitation at the church from 10:00 AM until time of service. Luncheon will follow and the burial will be at Wilderness Rest Cemetery in Lake Tomahawk, WI at 2:00 PM.
The Joseph Novitzke family would like to thank Dr. Fossen and Staff, Howard Young Medical Center, Rennes Health and Rehab Center, and Ministry Dr. Kate Lakeland Hospice for all of their wonderful and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES OF WOODRUFF IS SERVING THE FAMILY.