Joseph “Joe” Kirst, 89, of West Bend, formerly of Fredonia, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee due to failing heart issues.
He was born on December 9, 1925 to the late Matthew and Veronica (nee Gasper) Kirst in Fredonia, WI. He was united in marriage to Hazel Peterson on April 12, 1947 in Port Washington. In the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed hours of polka dancing and playing cards with family & friends. Together they farmed in the Fillmore area for nearly 30 years. Later in life, he enjoyed gardening and viewing/feeding the birds in their backyard.
He is survived by his three children, Diane (Pete) Paitrick of West Bend, Gary (Diana) Kirst of Eden and Wayne (Karen) Kirst of Kewaskum; five grandchildren Jay (Jenny) Beth, Ryan (Ashley) Kirst, Todd (special friend Stacy Malnory) Kirst, Tim (Shelly) Kirst, and Tami (Steve) Staehler; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Sanem; three brothers, George (Rita) Kirst, Eugene (Theresa) Kirst and Robert (Mary Jane) Kirst; other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marie (Vernon) Fay, parents in law, Clarence and Cecil Peterson and brother in law, Leroy Sanem.
A Funeral service in remembrance of Joe will be held on Thursday, March 5 th at 6:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday from 3:30 pm until the time of service. Cremation will follow the service with burial of cremated remains in St. Martin’s Union Cemetery Friday at 10:00 am.
Memorials to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.