Joseph G. Pigeon

PORTAGE --  Joseph G. Pigeon, age 94, died on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, 2018 at Tivoli in Portage, Wisconsin.

He was born on March 6, 1924 in Schofield, Wisconsin where he lived most of his life.  He was the son of Homer and Lillian (Passow) Pigeon.  Joe was the grandson of Patrick and Julia (Bressett) Pigeon and Ferdinand and August (Witte) Passow.  Julia Bressett being the first white woman born in Marathon County, Wisconsin.  Joe married Emmy Lorbetske on October 4, 1947 at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau.  Emmy and Joe were married for 68 years until her death on February 7, 2016. 

Joe proudly served his country during WWII.  He was part of the Army Corps of Engineers, 555th Heavy Ponton Battalion in Germany and France.  One of his greatest thrills was going on the “Never Forgotten Honor Flight” to Washington DC in September 2012 with his daughter Pam, and then being surprised by his other daughters Cathy and Amy, and granddaughter Amanda as he arrived at the WWII Memorial. 

He is survived by his four children, Cathy Brunt (John) of Portage, Joseph M. Pigeon (Theresa) of Schofield, Amy Bedessem (Jon) and Pam Jenkins (Bob), both of Portage; seven grandchildren, Jonathon Brunt (Sandra), Autumn Pease (Joe), Brianna (Erickson) and Amanda Bedessem, Eric (Erika) and Ryan, and Brent Jenkins; seven great-grandchildren, Emerson, Emerald, and Lane Pease, Tristan and Sophia Brunt, Remy Kim and Kai Jenkins; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Wendorf, of Portage and many wonderful nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, his brothers, Adolf and Frank Pigeon and his sister, Dorothy Haywood Feck.

We were so happy to have had Dad in our lives as long as we did.  He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was quick-witted and had a unique (silly) sense of humor which endeared him to everyone.  He loved working with wood and always had an ongoing project.  In his later years he turned his time to wood carving. 

He spent most of his leisure time at the rustic log cabin that he built in Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, a treasure to his family.   He enjoyed the North woods, spending time over the years, hunting and fishing, and visiting relatives.  He spent special evenings in front of the bonfires by the lake with his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed visitors and cooked many “interesting” dishes for them over the years.  He looked forward to, and enjoyed playing cards, especially Cribbage and Sheepshead.  He was a match for anyone. Joe was a truly special person and loved by all who knew him. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Therese Catholic Church in Rothschild, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.  Please check the funeral home website for updated service information.