Donald "Joe" Joseph Wannemacher

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Donald Joseph "Joe" Wannemacher, 82, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who went home to be with the Lord on June 27, 2026.

Donald "Joe" was born on March 11, 1944, in Payne, Ohio, the second of six children. He was a man of great faith, honesty, hard work, and a terrific sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him.

Joe lived out what he believed. He taught the value of selflessness, always putting others before himself. His love for others and his daily devotion to God shone through every aspect of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, woodworking, gardening, and bringing a smile to someone's day.

He will forever be remembered for his steady heart, unwavering faith in God, deep love for his family, wise guidance, strong work ethic, dedication, and witty sense of humor. His legacy will continue to live on through the lessons he taught, the love he gave so freely, and the countless lives he touched.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marlene; his children, Michael (Jennifer) Wannemacher and Michelle (William) Wright; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Brendan) Schwartz, Austin (Perla) Wannemacher, Lexi (Zach) Nilssen, Victoria Strehmel, and Isaiah Strehmel; his great-grandchildren, Hudson Schwartz and newborn Charles Joseph Nilssen, who was lovingly named after his great-grandfather; his siblings, Ron Wannemacher, Tony (Carol) Wannemacher, Rita Collis, Jean (Chris) Geist, and Carol Erickson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Theresa Wannemacher.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 90 East Street, Boyceville, WI 54725. Visitation with the family will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the church.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to remember and celebrate Joe's life.

Services have been entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Baldwin. For more information, to share a memory, or to offer condolences, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call (715) 684-3434.