Joseph R. Soltau

Joseph R. Soltau, 79, of Amery died peacefully at the Golden Age Manor on Monday, November 10, 2025. He was born November 3, 1946 to Arden and Marie (Klingelhoets) Soltau. Joe was raised in the Turtle Lake area and graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1964. Shortly after he graduated, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was sent to Norfolk, Virginia for his basic training. Joe was very proud of his military service. He was attached to the USS Mullinnix, a destroyer. He served as a Fire Controlman and was responsible for maintaining the ship's weapon systems. He traveled over his service years to exotic places including the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia where they supported the U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. Joe's training would benefit him later, and he was employed by Unisys for many years. When they downsized the company, Joe retired to open his own business where he built and repaired computers in his workshop in Amery, Wisconsin. Joe was also an excellent woodworker, building kitchen cabinets for their home, and many other projects.

Joe enjoyed relaxing by watching classic movies, Green Bay Packers and baseball. He collected music of all kinds. Joe enjoyed the many birds, especially the hummingbirds, that populated his property and kept them close, feeding them nectar and seeds. He enjoyed baking his special sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies which he shared with family and friends. Joe also shared his love for Jesus with others. He was active in his church in his younger days, and his love for the Lord never wavered.

Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lee Ann (Annie); two brothers, Robert (Mahassen) Soltau of Clearwater FL, Charles (Mona) Soltau of Plant City, FL; one sister, Linda (Steven) Kjeseth of Plano, TX; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by Annie's siblings Janet (Jerry), and Tom (Mary) and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, James; sister, Vicki Kruger; and brother, Timothy Soltau. Joe leaves many special friends as well. Carol LeClair faithfully walked Joe's dementia path with him by regular visits and family updates, and Lois Van Someren has also been a devoted friend. Kipp Harris stepped up and took responsibility as Joe's dementia worsened, and neighbors Rhonda and Kelly Fitzgerald were always willing to help in so many ways. Special thanks to Judy's Cottage for the excellent loving care they provided Joe. Also thank you to Adoray Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care.

There will be a private burial at McKinley Cemetery near Cumberland, WI in May 2026. No services are scheduled at this time. Memorials to donor's choice.