January 5, 1956 – September 30, 2023
Robert “Joe” Wyss, age 67, of Black River Falls, was called to his heavenly
home on Saturday, September 30, 2023 while duck hunting with friends in
Neenah, Wisconsin.
Joe was born on January 5, 1956, to Robert E. Wyss and Betty J. (Norgaard)
Wyss in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
Joe graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1974. He enjoyed his
high school years participating in wrestling, football and FFA.
He learned the importance of a strong work ethic, being raised on his
family’s dairy farm. You would find him happiest while maneuvering a 656
International or a 2840 John Deere through a large corn field, tilling up the
back 40 or bailing hay. As an active member of the Cloverette’s 4H club, he
took great pride in showing cattle at the Jackson County and Wisconsin State
Fair being awarded several Grand Champion and Showmanship ribbons.
He continued his education earning a Welding Degree at WWTC of LaCrosse.
Going on to work for various construction companies throughout Jackson
County in the early years of his career. For 11 years, he served as a
Volunteer Firefighter and First Responder for the Village of Merrillan. For 9
years, he took on great responsibility serving as Chairman for the Township
of Albion.
In 1992 he met with his true passion for fire suppression and forestry
management as he began his career of 30 years with the Department of
Natural Resources as a Forestry Technician and Fire Fighter. In 2017 he was
Honored as the Wisconsin State Forestry Technician of the year. He traveled
to several states, including Canada, working fire suppression. His calm,
approachable demeanor suited him well as a leader, mentor, teacher, and
friend to all those he worked with.
After his retirement he continued to enjoy heavy equipment as he rolled on
down the highway hauling water for Ripp Distribution.
On February 25, 1978 he married the love of his life, Lois “Chipper” (Stetzer)
Wyss. Joe was a devoted father to 3 children, Casey, Skip, and Emmy. He
dedicated countless hours guiding, supporting, and encouraging his
children’s dreams. Joe and Chipper had a passion for travel. They enjoyed
several tours across the US and Canada on their Honda Goldwing. No matter
where they ventured, their strong love and admiration for each other was
evident. One of his greatest joys was being a PaPa. His grandchildren filled
his heart with love and belly with laughter.
Joe was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed and respected the outdoors. If a
firearm was involved, he was part of the action. He understood and valued
the importance of being a responsible hunter. This message he instilled into
his own children and grandchildren. His enthusiasm for hunting included
deer, turkey, ducks, trap shooting and sporting clays.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Robert E. and Betty (Norgaard)
Wyss; grandparents Ernest and Nora (Anderson) Wyss and Joseph and
Josephine (Hegestad) Norgaard; father-in-law Wendell Stetzer; and aunts,
uncles, and cousins.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lois “Chipper” (Stetzer) Wyss;
children Casey (Bobbi) Wyss, Skip (Julie) Wyss and Emmy (Josh) Davis;
grandchildren Peyton, Grayson, Breckin, Gavin, Maeli, Whitley and MaKayla;
brothers Ron (Connie) Wyss and Rick (Cassie) Wyss; mother-in-law Ruth
(Simonson) Stetzer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held from 10am until 2pm, Saturday,
October 21, 2023, at the DNR Service Center, 910 Wisconsin Highway 54,
Black River Falls.
Torgerson’s Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with
arrangements, 715-284-4321.
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