Joseph R. LaFeber

Joseph R. LaFeber, 76, Athens passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield.

He was born October 20, 1943 in Davenport, IA, son of the late Joseph and Florence (Hook) LaFeber. On December 12, 1964 he married Bonita “Bonnie” Kock in Davenport.  She survives.  He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens WI.

Joe started his career in the trades as an Electrician and Maintenance Supervisor with Northwestern Bell in Sioux City IA in 1964.  He furthered his career working at Alcoa and Oscar Mayer until an opportunity took him and the family to Medford WI.  He worked at Tombstone Pizza from 1977 through 1987, when they moved back to Iowa, where he began working at Ralston Purina in Clinton.  Four years later he began at Maytag in Illinois and when the company closed, he obtained his supervisor position at CAT, until his retirement in 2014.  He and Bonnie settled near family in Athens WI.

Survivors include his loving wife, Bonnie LaFeber, Athens, his children, Barb (Kevin) Passehl, Athens, Marsha (Tim Schmutzler) Vetterkind, Riplinger and Janet LaFeber, Peoria, IL,  His grandchildren Ashley (Bill) Hegewald, KJ (Kayla) Passehl, Lindsey Passehl, Brittany (AJ Auner) Passehl, Shayne (Chelsie) Vetterkind, Dereck Vetterkind and Nathan LaFeber.  He is further survived by 13 great-grandchildren, one brother, Roger (Kathy) LaFeber, Pardeville, sisters-in-law Donna Williams & Karen (Byron) Bryant Davenport IA, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Williams, and his in laws William and Hazel Kock.

Joe was a lifetime member and supporter of the Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited and the NRA.  He was also an avid sports fan watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals, and yes, he was forced to watch Nascar!  He shared his love of these teams with his family, even recruiting new family members that are Badger and Cub fans!!  He had a passion for golfing with the guys and fishing with his kids.  He was a loving father and grandpa and most grateful for all the special moments with his family.

Private family services were held at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens.  A Celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at a later date.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com