Obit: Kilty, Joseph P. (1951 – 2022)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Kilty, Sternitzky, Meskill, Gebelein, Bruesewitz, Sazama, Hebda, Altergott, Marcott

Source: Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 26 Jan 2021

Kilty, Joseph P. (14 Jun 1951 – 22 Jan 2022)

Joseph Paul Kilty, 70, entered eternal life on Jan. 22, 2022, at his daughter Candi’s (Zachary) home in Somerset. He was diagnosed on Dec. 8, 2021, with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Joseph Paul Kilty was born in Marshfield, on June 14, 1951, to Lyle and Irma Kilty. Along with his siblings, he grew up farming around the Unity area. Being raised on the farm gave Joey the work ethic that he retained throughout his entire life. At the age of 16, he got a job working at the Riplinger Cheese Factory. Upon graduation from Colby High School in 1969, he then went to work for Wick Building System/Art Craft Homes. He finished out his 43-year working career at Stratford Homes doing siding and roofing.

Joey married Linda Sternitzky at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby, on June 19, 1971. Joey and Linda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021. Together they raised their three children: Jeremy, Candi and Chad. Joey was a family man who devoted his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. Joey loved life. He especially loved his grandchildren as they were the light of his life and he would do anything for them.

After retirement, he became a pillar during a difficult time for his son, Chad, and his two children, Dane and Allyson. He was there for them every day of the week. He would be there in the morning to get the kids off to school while Chad had to go to work. He cherished every moment making sure Dane and Allyson were taken care of while Chad had to earn a living. Joey also enjoyed his visits to New Richmond and Glenwood City to see his other two children, Jeremy (JaLee) and Candi (Zachary). He cherished seeing all his grandchildren: Damian, Tyler, Morgan, Izaac, Evan, Alex, Mia, Dane and Ally. There were endless years of camping, fishing, pontooning, campfires and sporting/school events with many precious memories made while watching the grandkids grow.

He looked forward to the gun deer season each year because he knew he would have a house full of boys. Every one of those moments over the years was what he truly lived for. Residing at the same residence for 50 years, Joey has seen many neighbors come and go in his neighborhood. However, one of his neighbors, Tyler and Renee Liedberg, were very special, and have become an extension to his family. He has shared a lot of quality time over the years with Tyler and Renee. They have taken care of each other over the years. Joey became a surrogate grandfather to Tyler and Renee’s three children: Kaelea, Mason and Casey. He loved those children like they were his own grandchildren.

Joey always gave himself to everyone else and he never put himself first. That is who he was. Aside from loving his family, Joey enjoyed going out to the local establishments to listen to live music and to socialize with friends. He loved it so much that he was the roadie persay for Linda’s band for several years. Everywhere he went, he knew someone, or always made new friends. He touched so many peoples’ lives with his contagious smile, his laughter, and his genuine positive attitude. You couldn’t help but love him. Joey had one favorite place to visit every day, and that was Kwik Trip. He liked his conversations with the crew and friends he would see, and of course he would make new ones. And don’t forget his favorite cup of Karuba coffee with glazer or dunker donuts!

After Joey’s diagnosis, his daughter Candi, along with St. Croix Hospice, undertook the care of Joey at her home in Somerset. His daughter Candi and son-in-law Zachary opened their home to receive family and friends during this time. The outpouring of love and support from Joey’s family, friends and neighbors during this time can never be repaid. The family of Joey cannot thank you enough for the support you have given during this difficult time.

Joey is survived by his wife, Linda; his children: Jeremy Kilty (JaLee), Candi Meskill (Zachary), and Chad Kilty; grandchildren: Damian Kilty, Tyler Kilty, Darian Kilty, Morgan Meskill, Izaac Meskill, Evan Meskill, Alex Meskill, Mia Meskill, Dane Kilty and Allyson Kilty; two brothers: John (Joyce) of Phillips and Jeffrey (Karla) of Riplinger; and eight sisters: Joan (Klyde) Gebelein of Colby, Janice Oelrich of Stratford, Diane (Gale) Score of Fargo, N.D., Donna (Ken) Bruesewitz of Colby, Doreen (Darnell) Sazama of Athens, Delores (Duane) Kilty-Altergott of Colby, Dawn (James) Hebda of Menomonee Falls and Bonnie Marcott of Mosinee; along with many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He was predeceased in death by his father, Lyle Kilty; his mother, Irma Kilty; his nephews: Rodney Kilty and Jason Hebda.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at Saint Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby. Father Michael Hayden will preside. Interment will follow at Colby Memorial Cemetery in Colby. A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday at the church. Grandsons: Damian Kilty, Tyler Kilty, Izaac Meskill, Evan Meskill, Alex Meskill and Dane Kilty will have the honor of being the pallbearers. A dear family friend, Ann Studinski, will bless the service as a guest singer. A celebration of life will be at the Colby VFW following the burial. Please join the family for drinks and food while sharing memories of Joey. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.