Joseph Walsh

Joseph F. Walsh, age 92, of Kaukauna, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff of St. Paul Elder Services. Until his final day, he was affectionately referred to as the “Mayor of St. Paul Home,” because of his social nature and love of the community of Kaukauna, where he had lived, worked, and served since 1959.

 Joe was born on May 19, 1932, in Richland County, Wisconsin, son of the late John and Mary (Gorman) Walsh. Joe was a 1949 graduate of New Richmond High School and completed the Wisconsin Farm Short Course at UW-Madison in 1950. Later, he also attended Lawrence University and St. Norbert College. Joe proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1953 until 1955 and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He married the love of his life, Marian Aebly, on June 23, 1956, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Glenwood City WI, and they enjoyed 59 years of love and partnership until Marian’s death in 2015. 

Joe’s professional life included ownership of Hartjes-Walsh Insurance, as well as partnership in a real estate firm that developed properties in Kaukauna and Little Chute. He was a 20-year member of the board of F & M Bank and F & M Bancorp. 

Joe was always active in the community. He was a charter member of Kaukauna Kiwanis and had continuous membership for over 50 years. Chances are good that if you bought a Christmas tree from the club, Joe helped you choose it and secure it to your car. Joe was still serving pancakes at the club’s Environmental Center fundraiser at age 86. Joe was a faithful member and volunteer at both St. Aloysius Catholic Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church, serving in a number of lay roles; he also served on the St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation Grant Committee for many years.

In 1999, Joe and Marian established the Walsh Family Fund through the Community Foundation of the Fox Cities. That fund has allowed the family to sponsor arts performances for thousands of third, fourth, and fifth grade students in Kaukauna schools. They also established the Marian & Joseph Walsh Humanitarian Fund with the St. Elizabeth Community Foundation to serve needy children and their families.

Joe is survived by two daughters, Mary Clare (Gregg) Curry, and Ann (Mark) Stewart; five grandchildren: Michael (Cassie) Curry, Thomas (Sarah) Curry, Laura (Brian) Bradley, Steven (Hailey) Curry and Mara Stewart (Jeremy Lange); and five great-grandchildren: Will and Anna Curry, Poppy Curry, David Bradley, and Julia Lange. 

In addition to Marian, Joe was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Patricia, Edward, Patrick, and Margaret, as well as siblings-in-law Patrick and Irene. Joe was also preceded in death by Marian’s parents and siblings Carol, Donna, Dorothy, Robert, and Ronald and brothers-in-law Ed, Sam, and Bill, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family extends deepest thanks to the staff of St. Paul Elder Services for the patient and loving care they gave Joe these past five years. (As he often said, it’s the little things.)

Marking accomplishments large or small, Joe would often say, “Not bad for an old farm boy.” Not bad, indeed, Dad. We love you.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Mark Rydell officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will be held later at Holy Cross Cemetery in Kaukauna. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Walsh Family Fund at the Community Foundation or the Walsh Humanitarian Fund at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Joe’s name.