Joseph A. Wilfling

1937 - 2019

Joseph A. Wilfling

Neenah - Joseph A. Wilfling, age 81, passed away Wednesday morning, February 13, 2019 at his home. He was born on November 16, 1937 in Neenah, the son of Joseph A. Wilfling, Jr and Florence (Handler) Wilfling. He was raised in Menasha and upon high school graduation entered the United States Air Force. He was an Airman 1st class and was stationed in Texas as an airplane radio repairman. He married Beverly Kraus on July 27, 1957. They were blessed with two children, David and Jacqueline.

He was a machinist by trade and for 50 years Joe was a dedicated member of the IAMAW machinists union. He served as President of Local #1855 for 30 years, finally retiring last month. Through the years he served the Neenah/Menasha Red Cross as a Board Chair and member of the finance and personnel committees. He tirelessly collected and distributed toys for the Boys' and Girls' Brigade Christmas Giving campaign. Joe had also served on the Board for the United Way. He was an active member of the Fox Valley Retirees Club serving as President and Sergeant at Arms.

In his early years, Joe liked to bowl, fish, and hunt. He enjoyed following the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. He had fun putting his family on the Packer boards and especially enjoyed giving out the money when they won. It's only fair that he was the big winner for the Super Bowl! Joe wasn't one to share his feelings, but he had a great, big, generous heart. He was so proud of his Granddaughters and their husbands, but nothing made him light up like his Great-Grandson. He will be missed by his loving wife, family, and friends. Rest in Peace.

Joe is survived by his wife, Beverly E. Wilfling; son, David (Diane) Wilfling; grandchildren, Dustin (Steve) Wilfling-Hammes, and Devon (Bill) Dictus; his precious great-grandson that he adored, Decker Dictus, as well as a future great-grandchild on the way. He's further survived by his siblings: Sue (Tom) Luba, Jerry (Paulette) Wilfling, Mike (Esther) Wilfling, and Becky (Bob) Landgraf; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jacqueline Ann Wilfling; parents, Joseph and Florence Wilfling; parents-in-law: Della Knudson, Frank Barbeau, and Elery Knudson; sisters, Pat VanderHeiden and Nancy Heinzkill; brother, Thomas Wilfling; and bothers-in-law: Robert Kraus, James Kraus, and Marvin Zuleger.

The Funeral Service for Joe will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 18, 2019 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home 205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah with Rev. Jennifer Czarnota officiating. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for the Old Glory Honor Flight. He will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery, Menasha.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah 722-7151

Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com