Joseph William "Joe" Fischels

1938 - 2024

Joseph William "Joe" Fischels

September 8, 1938 - November 17, 2024

GILBERTVILLE – Joseph William "Joe" Fischels, 86 years old, of Gilbertville, Iowa, died Sunday, November 17, 2024, at La Porte City Specialty Care, in La Porte City, Iowa, after living with Parkinson's disease for many years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. – Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilbertville, Iowa, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm, celebrant. Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Gilbertville.

Visitation will be 3:30 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where the rosary will be said at 3 p.m. and vigil service at 7 p.m.

There will be no visitation prior to services, Tuesday, at the church.

Joe was born September 8, 1938, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Joseph Michael and Florence Mary (Youngblut) Fischels. He attended school at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Gilbertville. On July 29, 1957, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Cecilia Frost at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Raymond, Iowa. Joe was skilled in masonry and was employed by Youngblut Construction of Waterloo, before being hired at John Deere, at the foundry in Waterloo – where he retired in 1997. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8227 in Jesup, Catholic Order of Foresters Court 1099, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilbertville.

Joe worked hard to provide for his family, often taking on multiple jobs at once. He had a sharp mind and could make quick calculations on the go. He loved his family and always took an interest in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe was quick to smile, extend an invite, offer a drink, and lend a hand. He and Rosie loved hosting friends and family who stopped by to swim, play cards, or just enjoy good conversation.

Those who loved Joe will never forget spending hours with him on "the deck," a welcoming room in the Fischels' home big enough for everyone. It was filled (floor to ceiling) with photos of family and friends, John Deere memorabilia, and other mementos that captured the people, work, and experiences that brought him joy throughout his life.

Joe brought people together, a legacy that will continue to inspire those who loved him.

He is survived by two sons: Edward (Teresa) Fischels, of Jesup, Kevin (Tempest) Fischels of Gilbertville; four daughters: Debra (Lee) Bader of Jesup, Kim (Kevin) Even of Gilbertville, Lisa (Kurt) Frank of Waterloo, Carrie (Duane) Harp of Gilbertville; 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one brother, Cleo (Jane) Fischels of Jesup; one sister, Bonnie Weber, of Gilbertville; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rosie; one granddaughter, Amber Fischels; three brothers: Ronald (Jackie) Fischels, Melvin (Rosalie) Fischels, Gerald Fischels; one sister, Mary Ellen (Bob) Mathias; and brother-in-law, Leo Weber.

Memorials to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilbertville, Camp Courageous, or St. Croix Hospice.

Arrangements: White Funeral Home, Jesup, Iowa

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