Joseph Peter Ouellette

Joseph Peter Ouellette of Townsend WI passed away after a short stay at St. Joseph's hospital in Antigo on September 11th. He was 83 years old. He was born in Wabeno, Wisconsin, to the late Wilford and Elaine (Flynn) Ouellette on February 6th, 1942.
Joe was raised on a farm in Townsend, as a teen Joe worked at Pintsch's Hardware where he met his future wife Barbara and then graduated from Wabeno High School in 1960.
Joe enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and served from 1960–1964. He was stationed in France and was a Fire Protection Specialist. He received an Air Force Outstanding Unit award. He also had the opportunity of touring Paris and climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The Air Force was good to Joe as he met a fellow Airmen Jim Gross and they became lifelong friends and shared that special military bond till the day of Joe's passing. Upon being discharged in May of 1964 before leaving France he purchased an engagement ring for the love of his life Barbara and they were married on October 3rd, 1964.
After marrying they moved to West Allis where Joe worked for S & Z putting in natural gas pipeline and started a family – son Craig born in 1966 and daughter Christine born in 1967. A few years later they moved north to Townsend to raise their family. Joe continued his work with S & Z then transferring to Mueller Pipeliner, retiring after 35+ years. After retirement he wintered in Tombstone AZ. where they made many lifelong friends.
In Joe's younger years he enjoyed snowmobiling and oval snowmobile racing, so much so that he bought and sponsored a twin track racing machine for his son Craig to race. They made many unforgettable memories during this time.
Joe was a hard worker and a great provider for his family. He was stern and strict but also kind and gentle. Joe was proud of the life he and Barb built together. He was a good man and will be deeply missed.
Joe is survived by his children Craig (Wendy) Ouellette, Christine (Dennis) Slagowski, sisters – Judy Anderson and Janet (Richard) Opiela. Grand children, Amy (Dan) Witman, Andy (Kalen) Ouellette, Jesse (Amanda) Tokarczyk, Justin (Ericka) Tokarczyk, Joshua (Amanda) Tokarczyk,Great grandchildren, Reese, Finley, Remy, Poppy, Rylen, Raiden, Joscelin, Brynlee, Kaylee, Brandi, Jamecion, Mia, Niyah, Jayceion, sisters, Judy Anderson, Janet (Richard) Opiela
In addition to his wife and parents, Joe is preceded in death by great grandson Kolton Ouellette, brothers, Wilford Ouellette the III, Milton Ouellette, Jerold Ouellette, sister-in-law Elaine Ouellette and brother-in-law Alan Anderson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Townsend Town Hall (16564 Elm St., Townsend, WI 54175).