Joseph H. LaPiene, age 80, of West Bend, formerly of Cedarburg and Two Rivers, passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk.
Joe was born on October 15, 1929 to the late Esther Slavinski and John LaPiene in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended school in Meriden, Connecticut and graduated from Meriden High School in 1947. One year later he graduated from the Horace Wilcox Technical School in Meriden. Following his graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably aboard the USS Elokomin as a machinist mate.
While Joe was in the service he met the love of his life Lila Goeman. They were married on October 12, 1952 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Two Rivers. While in Two Rivers, they became the proud parents of three daughters Lorelei, Lisa, and Lizbeth.
Joe worked in Two Rivers as a tool and die maker for several years, however his lifelong passion for learning eventually led him to go back to school. He attended the Acme Institute of Technology as well as the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Following school Joe began working for Mercury Marine in Cedarburg. In 1964, Joe moved his young family to Cedarburg. Then in 1968 he started Mold Design Specialties which he owned and operated for 26 years.
Joe retired in 1994 and together he and his wife Lila moved to West Bend and became members of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. Throughout his life, Joe was a member of various clubs related to his interests in astronomy, history, and photography. He enjoyed gardening as well as dancing, and had a real appreciation for art, music, and science.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lila; his three daughters, Lorelei (Tim) Leach of Cedarburg, Lisa (John) Oakley of Easton, Connecticut, and Lizbeth (Troy) Thomas of West Bend; and seven grandchildren, Bradley Leach, Alexandra Oakley, T.J. Thomas, Paige Oakley, Ashlyn Thomas, Jay Oakley, and Graham Thomas. He is further survived by two step brothers, Charles and Edwin LaPiene; as well as many other dear relatives and close friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother and step father, Esther (Henry) Slavinski, and his father and step mother, John (Ann) LaPiene.
A memorial service in honor of Joe will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:00 pm at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th St. West Bend). Rev. Jeff Dorth will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 4:00 pm until 5:45 pm.
Memorials to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church and School are greatly appreciated by the family.
The family wishes to thank Kathy Hospice for their loving kindness and compassion.