Joseph J. Klessinger, age 77, of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma on October 6, 2015 and passed away 3 months and 1 day after diagnosis. He was born on August 12, 1938, the son of John and Clara (Gertsch) Klessinger in Milwaukee. Joe was a U.S. Navy Veteran who served from 1956 to 1959.
Joseph and Betty Sutter were married on September 8, 1962.
He lived most of his life in Monroe. Joe was an over the road truck driver for many years and then went to work at Trucks Incorporated in Monroe for 35 years as a parts delivery salesman. After retirement, he worked at, and drove truck for, Swiss Colony for 25 years. He also worked for Monroe Truck Equipment, delivering vehicles to many states.
Joe enjoyed going to trail rides with "Toots", taking off on a Friday, and coming back on Sunday or Monday. They would load up the horse trailer and head out on the trails for many weekends of the summer.
Joe was a member of the Southwest Wisconsin Draft Horse Club and the Blackhawk Saddle Club.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty ("Toots"), children: Troy (Chris) Klessinger, Dawn Wolfe, Todd (Donna) Klessinger, and Darci (Aaron) Steinmann all of Juda; sister, Marilyn (Delbert) Neuenschwander of Monroe; grandchildren: Jordyn, Katlyn and Logyn Steinmann; Joseph, Tyler and Brandon Klessinger; 6 step-grandchildren, Kara Guglielmo, Tina Herrera, Alicia Coplien, Derek and Kyle Nyman & Alex Goebeli; 2 great-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by Aunt Bette Kundert; sisters-in-law Karen Sutter and Bernice Gordon of Monroe; many family and friends, so that no matter where he would go, he always knew someone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Alex and Ella Sutter; brother-in-law, Robert Sutter, nephew, Tim Sommers, step-great-grandson, Deacon Eberle and his beloved horse and partner on the trails "Barron", aunts Emma Huber, Rosie Koller, and Vena Gertsch.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, January 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at the SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, with Fr. Michael E. Klarer Celebrant.
A memorial visitation will be Monday, January 11th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Monroe Clinic Hospice in Joseph's memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
Joseph and Betty Sutter were married on September 8, 1962.
He lived most of his life in Monroe. Joe was an over the road truck driver for many years and then went to work at Trucks Incorporated in Monroe for 35 years as a parts delivery salesman. After retirement, he worked at, and drove truck for, Swiss Colony for 25 years. He also worked for Monroe Truck Equipment, delivering vehicles to many states.
Joe enjoyed going to trail rides with "Toots", taking off on a Friday, and coming back on Sunday or Monday. They would load up the horse trailer and head out on the trails for many weekends of the summer.
Joe was a member of the Southwest Wisconsin Draft Horse Club and the Blackhawk Saddle Club.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty ("Toots"), children: Troy (Chris) Klessinger, Dawn Wolfe, Todd (Donna) Klessinger, and Darci (Aaron) Steinmann all of Juda; sister, Marilyn (Delbert) Neuenschwander of Monroe; grandchildren: Jordyn, Katlyn and Logyn Steinmann; Joseph, Tyler and Brandon Klessinger; 6 step-grandchildren, Kara Guglielmo, Tina Herrera, Alicia Coplien, Derek and Kyle Nyman & Alex Goebeli; 2 great-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by Aunt Bette Kundert; sisters-in-law Karen Sutter and Bernice Gordon of Monroe; many family and friends, so that no matter where he would go, he always knew someone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Alex and Ella Sutter; brother-in-law, Robert Sutter, nephew, Tim Sommers, step-great-grandson, Deacon Eberle and his beloved horse and partner on the trails "Barron", aunts Emma Huber, Rosie Koller, and Vena Gertsch.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, January 12th, at 11:00 a.m. at the SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, with Fr. Michael E. Klarer Celebrant.
A memorial visitation will be Monday, January 11th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Monroe Clinic Hospice in Joseph's memory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com