Joseph Jerome Wanta

Joseph "Joe" Wanta, of Stevens Point, passed away at his home with his family by his side on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80.
Joe was born to Benjamina Gagas and Florian Wanta on September 15, 1945. He graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1963. He became an attendant at the Consolidated Gas Station in 1966, when he met his wife Carol Kubisiak. They married on February 15, 1969.
Joe was living the "Beach Boy Life" when Uncle Sam called him to Fort Leavenworth for basic training. Then he went for training for Infantry at Fort Polk and then on to his deployment to Vietnam where he served with the 25th Infantry Division. He was also proud to be a member of the Wolfhounds and was sure to keep in touch throughout the years with his fellow comrades. Upon his return to the States, he was stationed at Fort Meade as a Re-enlistment Officer. It was there when he was called to patrol the streets of Washington DC during the King Riots. He was honorably discharged on May 29, 1968. While he dealt with PTSD and many other issues for the rest of his life, his service was greatly appreciated by many and was an accomplishment to be proud of! During his time, he received numerous awards including the Purple Heart, Silver Star of Valor, Good Conduct and the National Defense Awards, Vietnam Service Metal, Combat Infantry Metal, and Expert Rifle Badges.
After returning home, Joe started working at Consolidated Papers of Stevens Point where he realized he wanted to become a millwright. He worked part-time at other jobs while he took classes at Mid State. His hard work paid off and he returned as a Millwright following his time as a Journeyman.
Joe was always involved in the Union and served from Shop Stewart to Union President. After retirement, he served as President to the Central Labor Council. Joe was also a member of the Wisconsin River Lions Club for over 30 years.
Joe loved sports and was always involved in sports throughout his school years. This passion led him to be a little league coach for 13 years. He also played softball for the Flame and golfed for the Men's League for many years. Joe was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, and had season tickets. He was sure to attend every game - rain, snow or shine!
Joe and Carol were blessed with three children; Carrie, Jason, and JoLynn. He was the definition of a proud father. Together, Joe and Carol remodeled their first home with the guidance of his Dad, who taught him how to use a level as they made additions to the new home. After that, they started a 10-year project of building their cottage up north with the help of their children and son-in-law, Scott.
For many years, Joe ran his own business of building custom golf clubs, repairing clubs, fixing fishing rods, and reels. He and Carol were also vendors at the St. Germaine Flea Market for 17 years. As Carol always said, they did this, "Just to get rid of his junk" as Joe was a collector of many treasures.
Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; his three wonderful children, Carrie (Scott) Ullman, Jason (Denise Jaskie) Wanta, both of Stevens Point, and JoLynn (Tim) Foti of New Berlin; seven grandchildren, Brooke and Bryce Ullman, Lily (Thomas) Meronek, Mallory Wanta, Emerson, Charlotte and Aubrey Jo Foti; and one great granddaughter, Lorelei Meronek. He is further survived by his brother, David (Marlene Duda) Wanta; two sisters, Linda Piesik and Mary (Robert) King; brothers-in-law, Robert Kustuchowski, Gordon (Janet) Kubisiak, and Lee Kubisiak; and sisters-in-law, Pat Wanta and Cindy (Ron) Suchowski.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Tony Wanta; sisters, Leona Wiernik and Phyllis Kostuchowski; mother and father-in-law, Madeline and Richard Kubisiak; brothers-in-law, Joe Piesik and Donald Wiernik; and sisters-in-law, Cheryl Hoena Schiefelbein, Charlotte Kosloski, and Celeste Seefelt.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Aspirus and at Davita Dialysis in Stevens Point, for the kindness, care and support shown to him during his illness throughout the last five years. A special thank you to his Abby Van drivers who transported him safely to treatments and home. We are also grateful to the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Care Services team for their guidance, patience, and comfort during Joe's final moments, which allowed us to spend meaningful time together at our family home. We would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Veterans Affairs staff for their unwavering support, which was invaluable during his illness and to his family. Without their support Joe's journey would have been more difficult. Thank you everyone!
A funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Shuda Funeral Chapel - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the funeral home from 3:00 PM until the time of service. A private family burial will take place at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point, at a future date.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.