MICHAEL JOSEPHS
March 18, 1958 - July 01, 2019
Obituary
Michael R. Josephs, age 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 1, 2019, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 18, 1958 in Neenah, son of the late Martin and Jerrine (Koepke) Josephs.
Mike attended Appleton East High School and then entered the National Guard for 10 years spending time at Fort Knox. He married the love of his life, Karla Wiegel on November 20, 1976, in Appleton. He was employed for 31 years at New Page Mill in Kimberly and then most recently with Essity Mill in Menasha.
Mike loved spending time with his family; attending his grandkids various activities and relaxing at his “home away from home” at Evergreen Campsites. He was an avid outdoorsman that had a true passion and love for hunting and fishing. Any chance he got, if not relaxing at his “home away from home” would be spent at his land or on a lake somewhere. He also loved to sing karaoke, cheering on his Packers, Badgers and Brewers, bowling and dressing up for the holidays where he will always be remembered as Beetle Juice, Mr. Claus, SuperMikeo, or Mr. Potato Head to name a few.
Mike (Pike) was an incredible human being that touched the lives of many. He developed many everlasting friendships throughout his life and could have a conversation with anyone and will always be remembered for his famous goodbye saying of “Pike Out!” or his birthday wishes of “Happy!” His laugh and smile were contagious and his passion to be the best husband, father and grandfather showed and was what he was most proud of!
Survivors include his wife, Karla; three children: Joshua (Terri) Josephs, Jessica Akstulewicz, Justin (Megan) Josephs; three grandchildren: Jordan, McKenzie and Laney; two brothers: Jeff (Jeanne) Josephs, Bill (Deb) Josephs; a sister, Sue Wienandt (special friend Layne Purdy); Mother-in-law: Marie Williamson and numerous other relatives and friends. As well as his beloved dog; Roxy (aka RoxyShashi or RoxyPoxy).
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, David Wienandt and a Nephew, Eric Wienandt.
The funeral service will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 11:00 AM. The visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in his name for Kathy's House, 600 N. 103rd St., Milwaukee, WI 53266.
The family would like to thank Dr. Laura Michaelis, assistant Amber Essenmacher, Dr. Chhabra, assistant Matt Ware and the entire nurses and other staff at Froedtert for the compassionate care they gave Mike. In addition, the family would also like to give an extra special thank you to Kathy's House where countless stays were had, his brothers-in-law: Lynn, Corey and Theo and to his entire family and friends for all your support, prayers and love!
I Love you “My Love” until we meet again! – Karla
Your passion and desire to live and be a great dad and grandpa was like no other. Our lives will never be the same without you! We love you and will keep your memories close and in our hearts forever! – Love your kids and grandkids!
Josephs Strong forever!