Joseph S. Fashingbauer

Joseph Steven Fashingbauer, who found contentment in being an “ordinary Joe,” took his leap of faith on Saturday September 28 on a glorious fall day. Joe was born in Oshkosh on July 18, 1924, to Bart and Theresa (Poeschl) Fashingbauer, the second youngest of four boys. He grew up with a proud German heritage. After graduating high school in 1943, Joe enlisted in the Navy and defended his country during WWII aboard the USS Strickland, a naval escort vessel on which he was a sonar specialist. When the war ended, he moved to Lac du Flambeau to learn the building trade from his older brother Norbert (Nubbs), who later became a gunsmith. Joe, meanwhile, had found his calling in woodworking, home building, and the Northwoods. It was here that he met the darling of his life, Rosalie Elliott, pumping gas at her father’s garage. As fate would have it, they married in 1952, raising four children in their Moss Lake home, that of course Joe built. There they enjoyed many rewarding years, surrounded by family and friends. Through the years, Joe built many homes in the Lakeland area with Herb Brown and Jerry Kosky, but eventually was joined by all three of his sons in the family business, leaving them a legacy of great craftsmanship and a tradition of honorable labor in work you love. Joe was also active at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, serving the Knights of Columbus and the Men’s Club, demonstrating his grillwork at the annual chicken dinner, and blessing us all with his soft, sincere bass on his favorite hymns. But most of all, next to his faith, Joe lived for his family, taking the time to support our interests even when they weren’t his. How he enjoyed Sunday drives, picnics, Lake Superior in the summer, swimming at Leech Beach, motorcycling with his boys, teasing his grandchildren—a man of few words, but of unwavering principles, deep devotion, and unconditional love, Joe influenced everyone who knew him with his honest, even, unselfish temperament. Joe will be held in the hearts of his family and friends until we meet him again: his wife Rosalie; sons, Mike (Diane Larsen), Steve (Pam Schroeder), and Dan; daughter Martha (Mike Handrick); brother Erv (Violet) Fashingbauer; 16 grandchildren, Rebecca (Dave) Eldredge, Luke (Katie), Jake (Sarah), Michelle (Will Stewart), Rachel, Joe, Christiana, Michael, Julia, Paul, Jennie, Zeke, Erik, Angela (Nick Swanson), Melanie, and Bennett; 4 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Wesley, Grant, and Patrick; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Nohr, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He joins his family and many friends who have gone before him and who now welcome him to the glory of everlasting life. The man whose only desire was to live an ordinary life made ours extraordinary. As requested, no formal services will be held. Any condolences may be expressed in prayer and/or donations to Alzheimer’s research.

Joseph S. Fashingbauer

July 18, 1924 - September 28, 2013