Josef Wieser

1950 - 2014

February 4, 1950 - July 4, 2014

Josef Karl Wieser, aka Jojo and Joe, passed away on the morning of July 4th, 2014 at his home in Henderson, NV, at the age of 64 after a long battle with Liver Cancer and Hepatitis C. He outlived every prognosis, and was still working and attending concerts throughout his final months. His passing was very peaceful, and he was surrounded by his family and friends in his final days and moments.

Josef was born in Salzburg, Austria to Amelia and Michael Wieser. Both survivors of the holocaust, Amelia and Michael immigrated with an infant Josef to America, then to Israel before settling in Los Angeles where Josef spent his formative years. He attended North Hollywood High School, where he played basketball and announced sporting events.

Josef loved to travel, and started his adventures on the "hippie trail" to India in the 1970s. It was on these trips that he met his former wife, Nan Wieser and his tight family of traveling friends, with whom he explored much of Europe and Asia. Josef eventually settled down in San Anselmo, CA and later in his life moved to Salt Lake City, UT and then Henderson, NV. While living in San Anselmo, his son, Jacob Karl Wieser, was born in 1983. Jacob was the most important person to Josef. Their bond was extremely close, and they enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, hiking, and traveling together throughout the years.

Josef was a wonderful father, a hard worker, and above all a loyal friend. His one-of-a-kind sense of humor was present until his final hours. Josef will be remembered for his incredible generosity, and he was a strong supporter of many charities throughout his life.

The family would like to thank DeAnna Kope for being Josef's closest friend and champion during his illness, Zuo Modern for their incredible support and friendship as his employers, Donna Frese for her countless trips to Nevada to act as companion and advocate for Josef, and to all of those who traveled to spend time with him in the recent years. Josef is survived by his son Jacob, his ex-wife and lifetime friend Nan, and hundreds of others who were thought of by Josef as family.

Per his wishes, Josef was cremated and there will be a celebration of his life later this summer at Pt. Reyes National Seashore in California, a place he loved.