Fifth Generation

8. Joan Melba ANDERSON was born on 10 August 1935 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI.⁸

Joan Melba ANDERSON and Joseph "Joe" BELSKY were married about 1954.¹⁸ Joseph "Joe" BELSKY was born on 16 July 1935.¹⁸ He died on 25 October 2021 at the age of 86.¹⁸ Obituary Notes: "Joseph “Joe” Belsky went to be with his Lord Jesus, peacefully at his home on Monday, October 25th 2021. He was born on July 16th, 1935 to the late Thomas and Loretta (Betts) Belsky. He was baptized at St. Patrick’s church in Mauston.

His early years were spent in the Mauston area. When he was nine he and his family moved to a farm south of New Lisbon. He attended schools in New Lisbon and graduated in 1953. Joe furthered his education at Juneau County Normal school and received his teaching degree. It was there that he met and married his soulmate, Joan Anderson of Wilton.

Joe taught school for two years, first at Hoile County School, Mauston, the second year at Hustler Grade School as principal while also teaching the upper grades combined.

In 1961 he and his wife Joan and three sons moved to Kenosha where Joe was employed by American Brass. He became an accomplished technical sales representative. Joe was known for his strong communication skills.

In 1993, the Brass closed in Kenosha. Joe was given the opportunity to move to Seattle where he worked for Alaskan Copper and Brass. Joe and Joan both retired after seven years there. When they were not working they enjoyed exploring the beautiful state of Washington. They felt blessed when family came to visit and explore with them.

In 2000 Joe and Joan returned to Wisconsin to settle near family in the Kendall area. They are faithful members of Faith Congregational Church in Wilton.

Joe was known as a master story / joke teller. He enjoyed traveling and when long trips were no longer possible, Joe enjoyed “toddling around” to discover the back roads of Western Wisconsin. He found contentment when watching a wide variety of birds at his bird feeders. A pair of binoculars brought deer and other wildlife into view, one of the benefits he enjoyed by living in the country.

Nothing brought more joy to Joe than to have family and friends come to visit. He loved a good conversation with anyone, always wanting to learn more about them and their families.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years Joan; Brother John; sister and brothers in law Alice Brandau, Roger, and Nora Jean Neitzel, David and Barb Anderson. Three children Michael (Jayne), Mark (Joy), and Greg (Laura); seven grandchildren Kurt (Kim), Christie (John), Joshua, Carissa (Trent), Andrea, Andrew (Brittany), and Erik (Kimberly); and eleven great grandchildren Kyle, Kolin, Nicia, Tucker, Josephine, Lukas, Dylan, Jake, Wyatt, Everett, and Asher.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Sr. and Loretta Belsky, a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Jr and Quretta Belsky, a sister and brother-in-law, Evelynn and John Fleming, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman and Margaret Anderson, Robert Brandau, Janice Belsky.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, 11:00 AM, at Faith Congregational Church, 502 Enderby Street, Wilton, WI. Pastor Andy Wallman will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Friday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home, Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.