Joseph A. White Sr.

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Joseph Anthony White Sr., 66, of Rockford, Illinois, died May 30, 2021, in Medina Nursing Center after a brief illness. He was born March 28, 1955, in Neillsville, the son of Lawrence L. and Genevieve J. (Slesar) White. Joe was the fifth of 10 children. He was an avid reader and learned to read at age 4. Joseph graduated from Granton High School in 1973.

During his high school years, Joe was a member of the high school band and joined the wrestling team. He entered in the U.S. Navy serving during the mid-1970s. After the Navy, Joe moved to the Darien and Allens Grove area and moved in with some of his brothers. Joe received an associate degree in office and mechanical repair. After receiving his degree, he moved to the Shawano area.

Joe enjoyed fishing, telling of the “big ones” that got away. Joe enjoyed thrift sales and took to heart, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Joe was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister, Patricia Ann Wesenberg.

He is survived by two children, Joseph Jr. and Sasha, both of Shawano; and a special little boy, Desi, whom Joe considered his grandson. He is also survived by one sister, Marlene (David) Soppeland, Eau Claire; seven brothers, David (Diane), Marshall, Robert (Lisa), Boise, Idaho, Charles, Freeport, Illinois, John, Elkhorn, Larry (Lisa), Beloit, Will (Mary), Capron, Illinois, and Mike (Valerie), Green Bay; many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Memorial ceremony to be held in Neillsville on Aug. 20, 2021, at 3 p.m. at St Mary’s Catholic Church with the burial being held in Chili after the memorial.

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