Search by Name

Search by Name

Joseph Lewandowski Obituary

Joseph "Louie" Lewandowski

Joseph "Louie" Lewandowski, age 79, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Appleton Medical Center. Louie was born to Joseph and Freda (Krablean) on September 30, 1935. He married Joan Vander Bloomen on July 27, 1957. She survives.

Louie graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1954 and then served two years in the Army. He then attended UW Madison for several years. He followed the Badgers faithfully his entire life and was able to attend the Badger Rose Bowl victory over Stanford in 2000. In 1962 he moved to Kimberly and remained there until recently. He loved to fish and also loved his garden. He was a master pie maker and enjoyed giving away his baked goods.

Louie spent time with his church serving as chairperson of the Justice and Peace Committee. Louie helped with the arrival of the Hmong population by searching for beds, high chairs, and anything else that was needed. They were able to provide food through the Holy Name Food Closet. Louie also chaired the AODA committee for two years. He then spent time working on a program for all grades on sex education. He ushered at Holy Name as well as delivering Meals on Wheels with Joan. He spent nearly 10 years visiting nursing homes both with the church and on his own. Louie and Joan spent several years with Loaves and Fishes and also provided rides for others through the Thompson Center. They were both very involved with the American Legion.

Upon retirement they took up traveling quite extensively. They wintered in California for many years. They once drove to California after first stopping for a visit with Mert and Jerry on the east coast. Their fondest trip was to Europe to visit Bob and Cyndi.

Louie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan, children; Pam, Joe (Deb), Bob (Cyndi) and Tom (Pam); his grandchildren; BJ (Jenny) Schmidt, Bill Schmidt, Joe Lewandowski (fiancée Michele Otte), Marc Lewandowski, Christian Lewandowski, Lauren Lewandowski, and Vincent Lewandowski; great grandchildren; Kylie Lewandowski, Brodie Schmidt, and Alivia Schmidt. He is further survived by a brother Scott, sisters; Bonnie (Bill Leonard), Sue Niesen, Mert (Jerry) Heindel, Peggy Decoster, Jackie (Mike) Reardon, and Debbie Brill, and a sister-in-law, Jane Lewandowski. Louie is further survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Freda, sister Joan and her husband Dick McCarty, brother John (Dan) Lewandowski, brother-in-law, Jim Fisch, brothers-in-law; Tom Niesen and Jerome Decoster. He was also preceded in death by a very special Aunt Marcella.

The funeral liturgy for Joseph will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 5:00 PM at ST. JOHN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 323 Pine St., Little Chute. A time of visitation will be held on Monday from 3:00 PM until the time of the mass at Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Mom and Dad worked with food pantries for quite some time. In lieu of flowers, offerings will be directed toward local food pantries. Dad's trademark for years was his ties. We will have his ties at the church. Please feel free to grab one and wear it during the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Apr. 1 to Apr. 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lewandowski

Not sure what to say?





Heart of the Valley YMCA Lifeguards

April 26, 2015

Joe will be greatly missed at the YMCA. He always was able to make everyone smile and make our days just a little bit brighter. All the lifeguards miss your personality and jokes

April 17, 2015

My sister and I talked to Joe almost every day at Parkside while he was sitting there with Joan. What a loss the death of this wonderful man is. We'd always kid him about being all dressed up with his suits and ties, and he'd say "when you're sitting next to the most beautiful girl in the world (his wife, Joan), you want to look your best." That kind of love you don't see every day, and even though Joan didn't always respond to his presence, he was faithful and kind and devoted, and you could see the love and gentleness in his eyes. We used to bowl at Colonial Lanes when Joe tended bar there, and so we knew him from the old days as a good guy. May his soul rest in peace and I know when Joan leaves the earth, they will be reunited again and their love will burn as brightly as it did here. Kudos to the staff at Parkside for the compassionate care they provide daily for all these people. Bonnie Hietpas and Sue Vander Velden, Kaukauna, WI.

Val and Bob Van Gompel

April 13, 2015

Bob and I were very sad to hear of Joe's passing. We will miss that wonderful guy especially his laugh. We truly admired his dedication to Joan and his family. We shared a lot of good times and laughs together. Rest in peace Joe.

Sharon (Bouressa) Lambert

April 13, 2015

To the family~ I only knew Mr. Lewandowski just a little bit...but everything everyone wrote is exactly how I knew him...pleasant...always with a Hershey's kiss and willingness to share a story or two. I was shocked and saddened that he passed. I didn't know he was sick and feel like I just spoke with him. Jackie...I didn't know he was your brother or I'd have mentioned knowing you when I spoke with him. :-) He was sure a wonderful man...with a place in Heaven waiting for him. You have my sympathy.

Jeanne (Jersild) Horton

April 12, 2015

I fondly remember Louie and the rest of his lovely family growing up in Menasha. What a wonderful man he was, always helping those in need .

Lorri Bass

April 11, 2015

Thinking of all of you at this time. l have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Louie.

Vern& Mary Jo Lamers

April 11, 2015

I know that Joe will be missed by his family & friends. I remember all the lovely flowers he brought to the Y. My deepest sympathy for Joan & the kids. He will be remembered by my kids, Doug & Gail.

Karen Gerhartz

April 11, 2015

Jackie and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss, I know what you are going through. I lost my brother in Sept and think of him everyday. you will always have your memories!

April 11, 2015

Best sheepshead player I've ever met. Save me a spot at the table up there.YOU WERE AND STILL ARE A GREAT FRIEND. Dan & Nancy Angell

Sheila Nack Vander Sanden

April 8, 2015

My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Uncle Louie was such a fun guy xo A Niece from Fl.

April 7, 2015

sympathy to my dear friend Joan and family. Thanks for the memories and good times. take care. Joan Subert

Carolyn Romenesko-Shepeck

April 7, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lewandowski Family.

Ginny Recla

April 5, 2015

Jackie, Mert & the rest of the family...sorry to hear of Louie,s passing. Just recently enjoyed a picture on Facebook with him & your family. Always difficult to lose a sibling but the memories will never leave you. Peace to all of you. Ginny Recla

Sheila Nack- Vander Sanden

April 5, 2015

My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Uncle Louie was such a fun guy xo I was lucky he was part of the big family, Joan is my godmother.

Jim and Sally Zoelk

April 5, 2015

So sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. May God be with
the family at this time.

Ray and Betty Van Stralen

April 5, 2015

All our love and thoughts are with Joan and her family. We have many fond memories of our 50 year friendship.

Rick & Allyson Story

April 4, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

April 3, 2015

We will miss Joe. He was a very special person to us and a big part of the Parkside family for almost 3 years. We will miss his smile, his jokes, his laugh and his colorful ties. He greeted us each day with a kiss, a Hershey candy kiss that is. We will continue to take good care of his wife, Joan.
From the staff at Parkside

Sally Giordana

April 2, 2015

No one is prepared for this. Sympathy to Joan and family. Sal

Belinda Price-Dajany

April 2, 2015

We will miss our friend. Joe and Joan were the very first swimmers to the Heart of the Valley YMCA pool when it opened in Sept 2002. Over the years they came to know most of the staff by first name. We looked forward to Joe bringing us candy and taking a minute to talk to staff. Your friends at the Y will dearly miss you.

Paula Koch-Beyer

April 1, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. Louie was a great guy and always had time to stop and talk when I would see him out and about. Your family has lost a very sweet and caring Dad, Grandpa, Brother and Uncle.

Lyle and Kay Vandenberg

April 1, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to Joan and all the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph Lewandowski's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph Lewandowski

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Wichmann Funeral Home - Jansen Fargo Funeral Home

204 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Lewandowski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more