Joseph Ciske

Joseph "Joe" William Ciske, 77, of Menasha, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025 with family by his side.

Joe was a man deeply rooted in his Broad Street neighborhood attending St. Mary High School where he received the award for perfect attendance, despite having little patience for the classroom. Instead he had a lifelong respect for hard work and dependability.

Joe served his country with pride doing two tours in Vietnam with the United States Army. The discipline he learned followed him into civilian life and defined his many years with the Menasha Street department where he built a reputation that needed no embellishment. Joe was on site, on point, and on time.

At the center of Joe's life was his bride, "Margie" (Margorie) Lenz, his partner, confidant and constant companion. Though they had no children of their own, they poured their love into their extended family, embracing their roles as aunt and uncle with joy. They also had a great love for their dogs, "Charlie" and "Bart".

A lifelong car enthusiast Joe owned 56 different automobiles over his lifetime and could entertain friends with unique stories of each one. He collected and built model cars, followed local stock car racing as well as the Daytona 500. In the disco era Joe surprised many with his smooth "James Brown" moves on the dance floor, demonstrating that grace and rhythm are not defined by size.

Joe's character was shaped by the dynamics of a large family, a connection he carried proudly throughout his life. He is survived by his brother Thom (Mary Ann Boot), and sisters, Mary Kober (John, deceased), Helen Kobussen (Jay), Ann Krautkramer (Richard), and Laura McQuillan (Marcus Sr. deceased), godchild Suzanne Kubiak (Kober) and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Margie, his parents Anthony "Tony" Ciske Sr., and Catherine "Katie" Ciske (Collins), brother Anthony Jr. "Tony", infant brother, Raymond, sister-in-law Francine Ciske (Murphy), brothers-in-law John Kober and Marcus McQuillan.

Joe leaves behind the legacy of a steadfast work ethic, enduring friendships, deep family ties and stories (many of which are true) that will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Joe will be laid to rest beside his wife Margie at St. Mary Cemetery in Menasha during a private service at a later date.

"The song has ended, but the melody lingers on" (Irving Berlin, 1927)