Leroy Joosten

LeRoy Lawrence Joosten, born on July 9, 1940, in Rudolph, WI, lived a remarkable life that touched countless people. A lifetime resident of Rudolph, LeRoy passed away on October 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, dedication, and innumerable memories that will be cherished forever. As we remember LeRoy, we recall the words from the United Church of Christ; "God is still speaking, we must not place a period where God has placed a comma."
LeRoy was a man of many accomplishments and was deeply committed to his community. A graduate of Rudolph High School, Class of 1958, he joined the National Guard the same year. He was later called back into service in the US Army where he served honorably for eight years. After his military service, LeRoy found his calling in the shipping department at Nekoosa Papers Port Edwards Mill, which later became Georgia Pacific. He dedicated 37 years before retiring in 1996. His commitment to his town was also seen through his service on the Rudolph Town Board as Assessor, Zoning Board Chairman, and as a supervisor on the Wood County board.
However, it was outside of work where LeRoy truly shone. He was a founding member of the Aqua Skiers and a member of the Rudolph American Legion Post 485. LeRoy's love for the outdoors was infectious; he reveled in fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and gardening. His joy was amplified during family camping trips up north and gatherings at their beloved home on the bank of the Wisconsin River. He found a unique joy in collecting Jim Beam decanters and was a proud member of the Jim Beam Bottle and Specialties Club, where he especially enjoyed traveling to their meetings and conventions.
At the heart of LeRoy's life was his beloved family. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sally Joosten; son David (Amy) Joosten and their children Ben Joosten and Ellie (Andy) Thompson; son Dale (Tricia) Joosten and their children Jake (Hannah Buelow) Joosten and Dexter Joosten; and sisters Yvonne Roseno and Beverly Mallek. He is also survived by in-laws Lester Severin, Donn (Rena) Stout and Connie Stout. LeRoy loved spending time with his grandchildren, whose laughter and joy brought him immeasurable happiness.
He is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Joosten, mother Christina Joosten, infant sister Arlene Joosten, sister Marilyn Severin, brother-in-law John Roseno Jr., sister-in-law Susan (Roy) Johnson, sister-in-law Arlene Capek, and brothers-in-law Gary and Kenneth Stout.
LeRoy's family expresses their appreciation to the staff at Our House Senior Living Memory Care for their attention and kindness. The family would also like to thank the staff of Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Emergency Department, Hospital, and ICU for making his final days more comfortable.
We invite you to join us in celebrating LeRoy's life, starting with visitation on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm -7:00 p.m. at the Herman-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 54494, and on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 am at the First Congregational Church, 311 2nd Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 54494. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery with military honors to be conducted by Rudolph American Legion Post 485.
In remembering LeRoy, we encourage you to share your memories, stories, and photographs on his memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Children's Miracle Network 611 St. Joseph Ave. Marshfield, WI 54449.
https://marshfieldchildrens.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/ or to Wisconsin Rapids ODC. 1191 Huntington Avenue, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
LeRoy's journey was rich and full, and it is in these shared memories that his spirit will continue to live on.