Joseph Larsen, Jr.

Joseph G. Larsen Jr., age 61, passed away on Monday, August 24th. Joe was born on June 25, 1959 and was a lifelong resident of Kenosha.

Joe was a mischievous chap in his youth. Growing up, he and brother Todd conjured up all kinds of shenanigans, none of which we are allowed to print….to protect the innocent, of course. Rest assured, lots of laughs and memories surrounded those days and into the present day, where he & his siblings could all appreciate the silly adventures of days gone by. Todd also adds that Joe was always his ‘light in the night’. Cheryal & Ann added ‘ditto’ on mischievous, as they recall Joe painting Cheryal’s dolls, taking all of their bikes apart, using Todd as a moving target for BB practice, at 16 taking Mom’s car and driving the family to the restaurant (with no license!). We smile & recall the days of sitting on the curb, waiting for Mr. Frosty in the summer, and splashing away afternoons, while swimming at Washington Bowl pool.

As an adult, Joe was strong-willed and carried a tough spirit, but always had a soft-spot for family – he loved, respected and genuinely always wanted the best for those close to his heart. In most recent months, he and his son Joey found a beautiful kinship, a brotherhood of sorts. He taught his son all he could and imparted his deepest feelings of concern and some regret. But mostly, he gave him the sincere love of his heart…contentment that Joey can cherish into his future.

Joe also was a caring, loving and helpful gentleman, who could build & fix anything. He was ‘at the ready’ for all those he loved, and would come quickly, if needed, to be a “Jack of all trades”! He had a wealth of talent and knowledge in construction, and for all things in need of repair. He proudly created his independent business The House Doctor. It is so rare to see that innate ability these days.

We want to recognize and thank Joseph and Dr. Maggie Regner for their on-going, selfless & tireless efforts through the years, in the rescue and care given to the pit-bull dogs, and other precious animals of our city. Joe made this his life’s passion, many times putting himself at risk, for those less fortunate.

A very special ‘thank you’ to Terry Waluch from Community Care; her Nurse, Mary Masterson; Tess; Kellie; Anthony; Dr. Michelle Gauthier & her Medical Assistants; Mary DeFrain-Jones and all the Milwaukee Froedtert doctors who cared for Joe. His faith in you never wavered.

Left to celebrate and remember his life are his son Joseph Larsen III, (Brittany Hyde), children Tiffani (Rodney) Herlache, Scott (Roxanne) Zamba, sister Cheryal (Stan) Keisler, brother Todd Michael (Nick Sturino) Larsen; and sister Ann Marie (Millie) Acosta-Larsen. Also, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will also be sadly missed by his 2 precious dogs, Jenna and Tank.

Joseph is preceded in death by his mother, Donna Lee McCoy, his grandparents Anna and Samuel Bobeck, and Bertha and Samuel Larsen.

The family would like to thank Nancy Chianelli for being his P.O.A. and his ‘friend-girl’ through the years. Nancy tirelessly was an advocate for Joe. Likewise, thank you to Joey and our lovely Brittany who created delicious meals for Joe. Many times, the photos looked like something from a cooking show! Joseph was very special to all of us. Our hearts are forever broken.

Thanks to St. Jude, Joseph passed peacefully, and with his faith in Jesus, he was taken to his Heavenly home.

Thoughts for Joseph Larsen, Jr.;

  • Kelvin Earl Gibson says:

    Joe was my dear friend and brother for many years. He helped get a job at Liberty Coach inc. and made sure I got to work everyday. He taught me many things, an imparted his toughness and loyalty. He will be greatly missed! Yet his loving heart will live on in me forever! “Love ❤️ You Paluka!”

  • Russell Thompson says:

    Joe was my great friend we worked together building custom additions to many homes in Kenosha and surrounding areas. He will always be in my heart forever and think of the good times together. Love you BROTHER …. Russ Thompson

  • Ron and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. We hope that his brother and sisters find peace. Thinking of all of you.

    Ron and Debbie Miswald

  • We are very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a kind person. My wife, children, mother, mother in law, and grandma gert are all grateful to Joe! He was always there when needed.
    Joey our hearts go out to you and I am glad we finally got to meet after all these years. Your dad is a special person. I know of his belief in God. Heaven has a new angel! He is smiling on all of us, just like he did when here!

  • Millie Acosta-Larsen says:

    We did not have much time together but you always made me feel welcomed and loved… even when I wasn’t there… I will cherish those times and all the love you sincerely expressed to me.
    Thank you for being a wonderful example of a brother-in-law…
    Now take a breath, relax, and enjoy the peace you have earned…

    Love you… Millie

  • We all are so deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing, he touched all of our hearts.

    Scott met Joe many years ago, at Liberty Coach and they became fast friends. When I met Joe shortly after, I loved him instantly too.
    He became a true part of our family. Dustin had his first motorcycle ride on Joe’s Harley.

    Joe was one of a kind, a man with a heart of Gold who would do anything for anyone. He helped and taught Scott so much with all of our home projects, his blood, sweat and tears over each. He always took time to talk to the kids and spend time with our dogs, who ran right over to him as soon as they saw him.

    Earlier this summer we all shared a beer together and talked about so many memories. We laughed and cried together.

    You will be loved and missed forever, Joe “Paluka”

    Scott, Jeanne, Dustin and Sidney

  • Shayla Simpson says:

    I am lost for words. Thank you for all the memories that my children & I have of you. You were always so good to us. Thank you for all the saves in fixing literally anything and everything We called for. May you rest in peace Big Joe also known as Patrick Swayze!!! Shayla,Jullian,Ariyanna, and your Lina

  • Gary Frederick says:

    Joe was an Awesome Man and Friend. He s done work for us on and off for the past 20 years. I will miss him tremendously as he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He took care of many clients for me over the years and was always there when you needed him. I am sad he s gone but know he s with Our Lord and Savior and all the many pets he rescued and cared for. You will be missed.

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