John David Josephs

John David Josephs, 74, of Menasha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Katie, by his side on October 19, 2025.

John was born on November 14, 1950, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Charlotte (Belonger) Josephs. After 26 years at International Papers, he completed his GED and received his high school diploma, an accomplishment that was very special to John. John had joined the US Navy in 1968, where he worked on a Missile Destroyer and earned the National Defense Service Medal. After serving two years in the Navy, John received an Honorable Discharge. One September 11, 1998, John married Kathy “Katie” Josephs. Even though John had no biological children, he deeply loved his three step children, Wally, Tammy, and Amy, considering them to be a very special “bonus” to his life.

In his spare time, John enjoyed setting up model ships, working on puzzles, paying close attention to anything that had to do with politics, shopping for clothes, (even though he saw himself as a jeans, T-shirt, & flannel type of guy). At every family gathering, he would be reminded that there was a “NO POLITICS” rule at the table.

John is survived by Katie, his wife of 27 years, his three step children, Wally Winters, Tammy Winters, and Amy (Brandon) Liesse. Even though Amy and Brandon are divorced, Brandon remained to be a special part of John’s life. He is also survived by his step-grandson and “best buddy” Zakary Liesse. For not being blood relatives, those two had so much in common.

He is also survived by two sisters, Barb Carlson and Mary Kurowski; one brother, Jimmy Josephs; his mother-in-law, Eileen Smith, with whom he was very close and loved as his own mother; four sisters-in-law, Carleen Smith, Pat Ellenbecker, Diane Smith, and Vicki Moen; one brother-in-law, Carl Thomas (Donna) Smith. He is also survived by 9 step grandchildren and 13 step great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Gary Josephs; one sister, Darlene Frank and her husband, Dale Frank; his father-in-law, Carl Smith; and three brothers-in-law, Cy Ellenbecker, Mike Smith, and Lee Smith.

The Josephs family would like to thank the Veteran’s Administration, Thedacare Hospice, and the ThedaCare Medical Team for all their help and support for John and our family during this difficult time.

Family and friends may attend a Visitation and/or Celebration of Life to honor John’s memory at the Appleton Evangelical Free Church, 2490 W. Capitol Drive, Appleton on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Pastor Greg Dykstra will be officiating. The Visitation will be from 10-11:00 am followed by the Memorial Service with Military Honors.

Burial for John, per his request, will be a Military Burial at sea in Norfolk, Virginia, where John was stationed during his years in the Navy.