Service Details
A celebration of his life will be held as an open house at the Summit Restaurant, 6825 Washington Ave., Racine on Sunday June 5th from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please see the funeral home website for the complete obituary. In lieu of flowers memorials should be directed to the family.
Joseph Kiesler III, 81, passed away at his residence on Friday, May 27, 2022. He was born in Chicago, IL on June 19, 1940, the son of the late Joseph and Karen (nee: Steffen) Kiesler II.
Joe graduated from St. Catherine High School, Class of ‘58, where he excelled in sports winning the first State Title for St. Catherine’s in wrestling. Joe served his country with the U.S. Army National Guard from 1963 until 1969. He attended Dominican College until 1963. From 1961 until 1972, Joe played for the Racine Raiders wearing #60. He had been employed by Anheuser-Bush and Budweiser for over 36 years and was known by many as Budweiser Joe. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #43. Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Surviving are his wife Janice “Jan” (nee: Myers) Kiesler; their daughter, Hannah (Justin) Nehmer, of Racine; three grandsons, Stephen, Dylan, and Tobin; brothers and sisters, Karla Kiesler, of Homosassa, FL, James (Elvira) Kiesler Sr., of Hudson, WI, Thomas (Joan) Kiesler, of Winter, WI, Gregory (Karen) Kiesler, of Trevor, WI, Mary (John) Lois, of Burlington, WI, Kris Schmidt, of Springbrook, WI, and by his sister-in-law, Penny Kiesler, of Racine, and longtime best friend, Larry Benjamin. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive him. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Alice (nee: Smith) Kiesler, two sons, Joseph Kiesler IV and Matthew Kiesler, stepfather Laurence Ernst, two brothers, Steffen Kiesler and Robert Kiesler, brother-in-law, Mick Schmidt, and special nephew and hunting companion, James Kiesler Jr.
Bud & Sandy Missureli says
I worked with Joe for over twenty years. We worked hard and “played” hard. Although Sandy and I haven’t seen Joe much in the the last thirty years. Joe will always be on our minds and missed.
Anonymous says
Remembering him from my Grade school days . My sympathies to all family members.
Gerrie Craig says
Remembering him from my Grade school days . My sympathies to all family members.
Al Dandeneau from Wautoma says
Extended sympathy to Jan and family of a very friendly man. Joe was of humor and strong in life beyond his muscle and athletic abilities. He was also there as a helping hand. He will be remembered and missed by all those that knew him.
Kathleen L Bentz says
Dear Jan and Family of Joe,
I was truly sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.
I graduated from St. Catherine’s H. S.. He was a good friend and it was so nice of him to pay his respects when my sister passed away.
I pray that God gives you the strength to make it through the coming days, weeks, and months.
He will be missed.
Kathleen L Bentz, Class ‘58
Joan M Pettit says
Jan and family so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing on my arrival home. Our SCHS ’58 class has lost a great classmate. Always with a smile on his face. Will truly miss that smile and his stories. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Larry Nelson says
Generations of Raider players remember Joe as the best of teammates. He was a wonderful guy.
Cecelia (Cis) Koellner says
Jan, so sorry to hear about Joe. I guess I could say I’ve known him for ever.
Grade school, high school and on. He will be missed and always had a smile
On his face. He was always known as Sketter.
Laura Knudsen says
I worked with Joe a few years ago now when he was in rehab and am sorry to hear of him passing away. He had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. My sincere condolences.