Bernard J. "Joe" Johannes

Bernard J. 'Joe' Johannes, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 30, 2007. Joe was born on December 26, 1929, in Wautoma, to Henry and Mable (Kruske) Johannes. Raised on the family farm, he graduated from Wautoma High School. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota upon receiving a football scholarship. A gifted athlete, Joe played baseball as a Catcher in the Minor League. During summer breaks, he worked in Nekoosa as a railroad telegrapher.Joe was united in marriage to Mildred 'Marty' Gramse on December 27, 1952 at Saint Joseph's Church in Fond du Lac. He then went to work as Manager of Farm Implements for Sears & Roebuck. In 1956, he found his dream career when he joined the Fond du Lac Fire Department at Station 5. After 28 years of service, he retired with the rank of Assistant Fire Chief.Joe was a great listener and a good conversationalist. Dad was a loyal friend to all who knew him. While raising eight children, he still found time to participate in the Foster Parent Association, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, West Scott Rod and Gun Club, and Nekoosa Snow Mobile Club. He was also a proud member of the firefighter's local Union 400.Joe had a wide variety of hobbies. He enjoyed time spent outdoors, including hunting trips out West, trips to the Horicon Marsh, and trips to the family cabin. He was an avid Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. Music was an important part of his life, and songs by 'The Man in Black,' Johnny Cash, were his favorite.Joe is survived by his eight children, Cindy (Bill) Ryan, Jeanne (Jay) Dodridge, Mari (Pete) Bartelme, JoAnne (Tom) Henken, Joy King, Bruce Johannes, Bryan (Alice) Johannes, Amy (Joe Dumbaskas) Johannes; twelve grandchildren, Meghan Ryan, Vince, Greg and Angie Bartelme, Dave, Dan, and Derik Henken, Chris King, Matt Johannes, and Danielle, Emma, and Molly Johannes. Joe is further survived by seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his sister-in-law, Elva Johannes, of Wautoma.Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred 'Marty' Johannes; his parents; brothers, Arden and Russell Johannes; and sister, Dolores Nigbor.



Services: Private family services were held on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Hospice and Grancare. A special thanks goes out to the musicians, whose music enriched Dad's days, and the Fond du Lac Handi-Van, whose trips allowed Dad to enjoy family outings.Thank you, Dad, for teaching us that we may not always do great things, but we can do small things with great love. We love you deeply, Dad.