Peshtigo, WI (formerly of Racine) – Joseph James Mandli, 88, passed away at the Whispering Oaks Care Center in Peshtigo on Friday, February 6, 2009. Joe was born in Milan, Michigan on August 24, 1920 to the late Joseph J. and Elizabeth (nee: Vernel) Mandli, Sr. He lived in Racine for most of his life until moving to the Marinette / Peshtigo area in 1992. Joe loyally served our Country with the United States Marine Corps in Guadalcanal during WWII. During his career, Joe had been employed by American Motors, Keystone Heating, Belle City Heating, Mohr Jones, Bert Jensen Heating and was also a self-employed sheet metal fabricator, retiring in 1982. On August 17, 1946 in St. Mary Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with Gloria Gross. Catholic by faith, Joe had been a member of several parishes in Racine. Faithfully patriotic, Joe was a member of the American Legion and had been a devoted Boy Scout leader. Among his interests, he enjoyed hunting, gun smithing, fishing, camping, cooking, dancing, photography and the art of upholstery. Above all, he was extremely proud of his family. Surviving are his children, David (Terrie) Mandli of Mosinee; Robert (Vicki) Mandli of Union Grove; Thomas (Gail) Mandli of Peshtigo; Nancy (Steve) Brophy of Houston, TX; James (Karen) Mandli of Milwaukee; Janet Mandli of Torrance, CA; and Susan Mandli of Racine; many treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; former wife, Gloria Mandli; brothers, Paul (Rosemary), John (Jean), Peter (Beverly), and Alex (Jean) Mandli; sister, Esther (the late Jack) Kammien; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his grandson, David Mandli, Jr.; brothers, Steve (Julia) and Frank (Ann) Mandli; and sisters, Ann (Orville) Putman, Mary (Edward) Buisse, Elizabeth (Edward) Dahse, Julia (Walter) Wozniak and Helen Mandli. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 12 noon with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 am until 12 noon. In memory of Joe, memorials to the Whispering Oaks Care Center (620 Harper Ave. Peshtigo, WI 54157) has been suggested. A special note of thanks to Whispering Oaks Care Center and Unity Hospice for the compassionate care and support given to Joe in his time of need. Most importantly, Joe's children would like to thank their brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Gail Mandli, for their gift of never-ending love, tireless devotion and making sure Dad's every need was fulfilled during the past 10 years. We are all so thankful!