Joseph "Joe" L. Valiga

Joseph "Joe" Valiga, 94, of Phillips, WI, passed away on October 26, 2023, at Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center, in Owen, WI. Joe was born in Phillips to Andrew and Mary Potocek, on February 23, 1929. On November 29, 1975, he married Nancy Malvich. 

He graduated from Phillips High School, class of 1948. While still in High School, he, along with his brother, George Valiga, started the Valiga Brothers Mink Ranch. Joe was a mink farmer until 2012. He joined the National Guard in 1949, retiring in 1970. He also enjoyed farming, making hay until he was 90 years of age. Joe loved being outdoors, hunting, logging, and just being outside. 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his brother, George (Alice); nieces, Terri (Keith) Behling, Mary Ann (Bill) Stanek, Melissa (Albert) Butler; nephews, Tom (Patty West) Valiga, George Valiga, John Valiga, Ron (Tracy Ellis) Watral, Mike (Donna) Valiga, Robert (Laurie) Valiga, Richard (Linda) Valiga, and James (Dorothy) Valiga; and brother-in-law, Jack (Evelynne) Malvich. 

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Carl, on October 24, 1983; his parents; sisters, Anne Watral and Mary Stanek; and brothers, Michael, John, and Andy Valiga.

Joe always had a funny remark that would make a person smile. He was willing to help anyone that needed it. He will be missed. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 655 S. Lake Ave, Phillips, WI, 54555, with Father Lourdu Mandu officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Phillips. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or another charity of your choice.