Joseph A. Bushman

Joseph A. Bushman Sr., 83, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 surrounded by his family at home.

Joe was born on September 11, 1931 in Appleton to Henry and Theresa (Gruentzel) Bushman. He graduated from Appleton High School and was a state champion ski Jumper for two years. Joe was a veteran having served in the Army for two years during the Korean War. He married Carol Zuelzke on October 22, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Appleton. Joe was a carpenter and built homes as a partner in B&B Construction and built many houses in the Fox Valley Area. He then joined Local 955 as a carpenter and for over 40 years he worked for Boldt, CR Meyer and Myron Construction companies. While in the union he held many offices from president to vice president to recording secretary and many others. Joe was very active in his community and was president of Appleton Babe Ruth for several years, a trustee to the Catholic Order of Foresters, President of the White Potato Lake Sportsman Club for 10 years, and was a charter member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Most of all Joe was a family man and he always enjoyed spending time with his family whether at home or the cabin up north, and those special times will always be treasured.

Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol (Zuelzke) Bushman, six children; Joseph Jr.(Debra) Bushman, Constance (fiancée Dave Hoppe) Gilmore-Johnson, Cynthia (Mark) Wheeler, Patrick (Christine) Bushman, Cheryl Halvorson, Carrie (Greg) Tomasik, 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, brothers; Don (Harriet) Bushman, James (Imogene) Bushman, Clem Bushman, sisters; Virginia Hoerning, and Katherine Johnson, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Daniel, and his siblings; Sylvester Bushman, Eugene Bushman, Jack Bushman, Maryann Lachaple, and Monica Vander Valden.

The funeral liturgy will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 12:00 PM at ST BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr. with Fr Brian Wideman officiating. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Goggins and the staff at the Oncology Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the hospice staff for all of their care and support during this difficult time.