Reverend Joseph L. Kleinheinz

Reverend Joseph L. (Lawrence) Kleinheinz

December 15, 1928 – November 30, 2020

Reverend Joseph Kleinheinz, (Father Joe), a Wausau native, died peacefully on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Superior Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Father Joe was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on December 15, 1928, son of the late Joseph A. and Mary (Moseler) Kleinheinz and was one of 12 children.

He attended St. Mary’s Grade School, entering St. Josephinum Pontifical Seminary in Worthington, Ohio.  His secondary collegiate education focused on philosophical and theological studies.  Father Joe was ordained on May 8, 1954 by an Apostolic Delegate from Rome at St. Josephinum Pontifical Seminary.  On May 16, 1954 he celebrated his first Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church, Schofield, Wisconsin.

Father Joe served as a priest in the Superior Diocese at parishes in Minocqua, River Falls, Rhinelander, Iron River, Land O’ Lakes, Cable, Mellen, Stetsonville and Mercer, Wisconsin.  In his later years he also served parishes in the La Crosse, Wisconsin diocese.

Father Kleinheinz is survived by three sisters, Jane Cumberland, Wausau, Wisconsin, Celine Persak, Atwater, CA and Eileen Lopuszynski, Ashtabula, Ohio and many loving and caring nieces and nephews and many friends.

Father Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, an avid sports and Green Bay Packer Fan, loved traveling with his brother, Jerry and two of his sisters.

Father Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, seven sisters, Sister Clarice Kleinheinz, Sister Lucille Kleinheinz, Eleanore Kleinheinz, Lauretta Martinson, Elizabeth Burkart, Anna Mae Rausch, Verneta (Nita) Leith and brother Gerald Kleinheinz.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2021 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild.  The Rev. Joseph Albert Saleth will preside.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, Wisconsin is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.  In lieu of flowers, condolences or memorials can be sent in care of Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, WI 54403; who will see that they get to the family.