Joseph Merle "Joe" Forrestal

1951 - 2025

Joseph Merle "Joe" Forrestal Janesville, WI - Joe Forrestal, beloved husband, father, grandfather,great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 16 with his wife of 45 years Lynne by his side. Joe fought a brief, intense cancer battle but was at peace and in no pain when he passed.

Joe was born on May 17, 1951 in Janesville, Wisconsin to Jim and Janice (Musson) Forrestal. One of 10 siblings, his childhood was filled with outdoor living on the family farm, and what the Forrestal family refers to as "the pond". His 9 brothers and sisters were a central part of Joe's childhood, adolescence and rest of his life. Joe attended Turner High School and went into the plastic injection molding industry. Joe eventually went to work for himself as a self-made businessman with his business Die-Sep. He was also an inventor, and has two U.S. patents credited to him, one of which was the foundation of Die-Sep. Joe would tell you that he invented his products because he was lazy and was looking for a faster way to get the job done; what's more accurate is that Joe was doing what he always did: finding a way to help others first.

Joe will always be remembered for his selfless willingness to help anyone in need. He would never drive past a stranded car, snowmobile, or boat with a flag up and not stop to help. He would help someone else before attending to his own projects--looking outward to other people's needs first came naturally to him.

Joe knew that how you treat others and yourself is what matters most in life. He treasured his relationships and was immensely proud when he saw friends and family succeed. He liked to remind people that trying is free, and you will never regret putting effort into something you want. He put his money where his mouth was and succeeded in triumphing over his own personal battles, of which his family is extremely proud.

He was preceded in death by his father Jim, mother Janice (Musson), daughter Gena, brother Jim (Debi), sister Carol, and brother Brian. He is survived by his wife Lynne (Seales), sons Tim (Laura) and Brendon (Emmeline), grandchildren Dalton, Evan, Bailee, Jena, Michael, Gabriel, Haley, Noah, Emma, Elizabeth, Kaya, Leo, Sophie, Celeste, Thomas, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Dianne (Kulick), Bob (Cindi), John (Patty), Darice (Clark), Barb (Steve), and Kevin (Lydia).

Joe's last gift to this world was another act of selflessness. He donated his body to science, in an effort to teach the next generation of medical providers and potentially save future lives.

(https://www.sciencecare.com/)

In the last years of his life, Joe and Lynne lived in Yuma, Arizona. He received his cancer diagnosis there and entered hospice at The Hansen House, a nonprofit facility. In lieu of flowers, Joe's family would appreciate donations be sent directly to them. He was treated like family there, and Lynne, Tim, and Brendon will be forever grateful for the care and love they showed Joe during his time of need. (www.thehansenhouse.org)

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future for friends and family.