Joseph John Walesewicz

Joseph John Walesewicz, 89, of Hurley, went to his Heavenly home, surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Born Joseph John Walisiewicz, to Joseph and Marie (Sanders) Walisiewicz on July 17th, 1935 in Ironwood. He attended Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood and then Gogebic Community College and joined the Army in 1954. He served until 1957 and was then married to Dorothy Sola of Kimball on September 14th at St. Mary's Church in Hurley. They were married 67 years until she predeceased him on December 29, 2024. We know she was waiting at heaven's gate for Joe, with her accordion strapped on holding his banjo and ready to get back to playing music together.
Joe was the father to four children, Joe and his wife Pat of Waupaca and their children Amy VanRossum, Joseph, and Ashley Backhaus, Don and his wife Linda of Oconomowoc and their children Alysa and Erik, Bob and his wife Kathleen of Hurley and their children Johnathan, Susan, and Nicholas, and Cari and her long-time partner Greg of Grand Isle, Vermont and her children, Jacqueline and Calvin. He was cherished by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and taught many valuable lessons in life. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Al and Angie VanErt of Delafield, and sister-in-law, Geri Sola of St. Croix Falls, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe and Dorothy lived in Oconomowoc and retired to Hurley in 1997, after working at J.I. Case as an engineer for many years. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, and when the boys were young, he was a dedicated Boy Scout leader. He was a man who followed his faith, loved his family unconditionally, and believed that we are here to help our neighbors and make our community stronger.
He was an active member at St. Jerome's Church in Oconomowoc, St. Joan of Arc in Okauchee, and the last 26 years at St. Mary's Church in Hurley.
In his retirement, he worked tirelessly to bring the Iron County Food Shelf into existence alongside Dorothy, was on the Board at the Iron County Senior Center, where he and Dorothy enjoyed their daily meal for many years. He also was an integral part of the renovation of the Iron County Memorial Building and believed that the building falling to ruin was worth saving. Today, this building serves as a community space for all to enjoy, just like he did when he and Dorothy had their wedding reception there in 1957.
He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy less than five months before he passed. He wanted to be a part of her memorial service and then went to be with her 17 days later. A dedication and commitment like no other. He is also predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie (Sanders) Walisiewicz, his in-laws, John and Mary (Canalia) Sola, brother-in-law, John R. Sola, and other friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank The Villa Maria for all the wonderful care of both Mom and Dad. You all have a place in our hearts and are angels on earth. We would also like to thank all the friends at the Iron County Food Pantry for working alongside Mom and Dad over the years, especially to Pat Livingston, for her long-time dedication and friendship. Last, but certainly not least, to the staff and clients of the Iron County Senior Center for not only the tasty warm meal that is served to our neighbors daily, but for all the support given by the staff and that you give to each other.
A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Thursday, July 17th, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. with Fr. Raj Sunkura officiating. Followed by the burial of both Dorothy and Joe at St. Mary's Cemetery with a lunch following at the Iron County Memorial Building.
The family is so grateful to have so many recordings of Dorothy and Joe's musical adventures and know that they are causing a lot of hand clapping and toe tapping in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial gifts to be provided to the Iron County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 7, Montreal, WI 54550 to honor the passion he felt toward the residents of Iron County.