Obit: Voight, Joseph F. (1934 - 2014)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Voight, Leabel, Matanic, Dee, Burrows, Mack

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 09 Jul 2014

Voight, Joseph F. (17 JAN 1934 - 30 JUN 2014)

Joseph F. Voight, 80, Wausau, passed away at his home on Monday, June 30, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral mass was held on Saturday, July 5, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.

Joe was born on Jan. 17, 1934, to Percy and Eleanora (nee Leabel) Voight. Joe met the love of his life, Connie Matanic, while he was in high school. He took her to her junior prom. After finishing a year of college at UW-Stevens Point, Joseph went into the Army. While home on leave he asked Connie to be his bride. Connie agreed and they became husband and wife on March 20, 1954. They were married for 60 years. Joe was a proud member of the United States Army and was on active duty during the Korean Conflict from 1953-55. He was very active in the community. He was a member of the National Color Guard-VFW for 15 years; a member of the VFW Post 388 for 50 years; and a member of the honor guard for 37 years. He was on the Board of Directors of the Marathon County Agricultural Society for 18 years and was elected president for two years, 1995-96. The Wisconsin Association of Fairs recognized Joe with the high honor of the Hall of Fame Award. Joe was a member of the Marathon County Veterans Services for 17 years and a member of the Plumbers and Fitters Union for more than 50 years, spending 18 of those years as an elected official. Joe was also a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Connie spent time after retirement traveling the world; they went to Egypt to see the pyramids on their last trip, filling their passport. Joe enjoyed the Green Bay Packers and became an expert fan of the Milwaukee Brewers during the last few years at home. Joe enjoyed fishing and he was an avid hunter, never missing a season up north at the hunting shack with friends and family in the last 60 years. He also traveled to Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota and British Columbia looking for his next hunting adventure.

Joe is survived by his wife, Connie; a son, Jody (Julie) Voight, Trevor; a daughter, Vicky (Russell) Dee, Coon Rapids, Minn.; three grandchildren, Tammy (Jeremy) Dee, Eagan, Minn., Eric (Casi Burrows) Voight, Stevens Point, and Megan Voight, Trevor; a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Voight; a sister, Leabel Mack, Loyal; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nora; two brothers, Percy and Jon; and his brother-in-law, Sherrin Mack.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.

Brainard Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.