Full Obituary

    It is with our deep sadness, that we announce the passing of Joseph M. Szemraj Jr, 76, of Lublin, Wisconsin.  He went to his heavenly home with God and his dad, Joe, on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026.  Joe was born on July 28, 1949 to Joseph M. Szemraj Sr. and Lucille A. Piwoni in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  He attended Lublin Grade School and was a 1969 graduate of Gilman High School.  He was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Judy A. Person, on July 24, 1976 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp.  As a young man, Joe worked on the family dairy farm.  He also filled in driving school bus for his father, until he joined Operating Engineers Local 139.  In 2023, he received his Lifetime Membership Award in recognition of 50 years of membership in Operating Engineers Local 139.  His greatest accomplishment was that all his sons followed in his footsteps.  Joe was one of the best ditching machine and side boom operators in the country with installing miles and miles of pipe through the mountains, over the valleys, and across the plains.  In 2015, his dream came true of being a utility inspector until ill health forced his retirement.  
   In his “free” time he enjoyed cutting firewood with his dad and his children.  Joe was proud to pass down his work ethic to his children and grandchildren, which was to work hard to do whatever it took to provide for family.  
   Joe was a beloved husband, a wonderful dad, and the proudest Papa.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, plowing snow, playing cards, listening to Sunday morning Polkas, gardening, telling stories, and collecting toy tractors.  He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan.  Most of all, he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren become the fine individuals that they are. 
   Joe was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he served as trustee, the Owen Masonic Lodge #317, past member of the Taylor County Sportsman Club, and past member of the Roosevelt Rod and Gun Club.
   Joe is survived by his wife Judy, of almost 50 years.  Daughter:  Jolene (Keith) Haizel, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Sons:  Jeremy (Connie), Josh, Jed (Melinda), Jon (Katie) Szemraj, all of Lublin, Jamison (Stephanie) Szemraj, of Weston.  Grandchildren:  Austen (Lexi), Lexy (Blake), Camran, Lila, Keagan, Kaeleb, Olivya, Sofya, Emerson, Atticus, Jase, Peyton, Landry, Corbin, Riley, and Harlowe.  Great-Grandson:  Quentin and Lando.  His four-legged grandson, Alan.  Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.  
   Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Annette, his in laws, Roy and Lucille Person, and some of the finest Pipeliners.  
   Funeral services will he held at 2:00pm, Thursday, June 25th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp, officiated by Pastor Phil Beukema, with visitation from 10:00a.m. until time of service at church.  Burial will take place in East Thorp Cemetery to follow.   Active pallbearers:  Jeremy, Josh, Jed, Jon, Jamison, and Austen Szemraj, Keagan Haizel.  Honorary pallbearers:  Kaeleb Haizel, Jase, and Corbin Szemraj.   
   In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family that will be designated at a later date.  
  Throughout life’s trials, Joseph held an unwavering faith in God, and it lives in the people that loved and knew him, “I’ll tell you what!”