ROBERT “JOE” JOSEPH WYSS

ROBERT “JOE” JOSEPH WYSS

     Robert “Joe” Wyss, 67, of Black River Falls, was called to his heavenly home Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, while duck hunting with friends in Neenah, WI. 

     Joe was born on Jan. 5, 1956, to Robert E. Wyss and Betty J. (Norgaard) Wyss in Black River Falls, WI. 

     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 4-H 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 La Crosse, 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 nine 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 firefighter. 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 Feb. 25, 1978, he married the love of his life, Lois “Chipper” (Stetzer) Wyss. Joe was a devoted father to three 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 U.S. 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 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at the DNR Service Center, 910 Wisconsin Highway 54, Black River Falls. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a charitable donation be made in Joe Wyss’s name.

     Torgerson’s Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.

Banner Journal

409 East Main Street,
Black River Falls, WI 54615

715- 284-4304 (ph)

715-284-4634 (fax)

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