Joseph Guepfer

Joseph F. Guepfer, 86 of La Crosse died on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse surrounded by his family. He was born May 9, 1926 in La Crosse to Frederick and Elva Mae (Franz) Guepfer and proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. Following his discharge he returned to La Crosse and on June 16, 1950 he married Harriet Howard. Having later divorced they still remained good friends.

Joe had worked for many years at Allis Chalmers until the companys closing. He then worked at the La Crosse Trane Company until his retirement. Joe later worked for several years at Schmidtys Restaurant. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed photography and many other outdoor activities. He was also proud to be one of the original Green Island river rats.

Joe is survived by two sons; Howard Guepfer of La Crosse and David (Donna) Guepfer of Onalaksa; two daughters, Nancy (fianc, Dave Case) Guepfer of Solon, OH and Gail Guepfer of La Crosse; two step-children, Joseph (Ann) Beranek of Brokklyn Park, MN and Diane (John Von Ruden) Beranek of La Crosse; 9 grandchildren, David, Ryan, Kyle, Kayla, Makenna, Lauren, Kelsey, Ryan and Megan; many great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Larry (Patty) Howe of Onalaska and a brother-in-law, Robert Selbrede. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter. Carol Howe; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Powers-Guepfer; a sister, Cleon Selbrede and his long time companion, Louise Beranek.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 24th at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel. Military honors will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.