Joseph Eugene Bretl, 89
Joseph Eugene Bretl, age 89, a lifelong Antigo resident died Saturday February 27, 2016 at his home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice.
Joe was born on October 1, 1926 to the late George L. and Florian (Sims) Bretl in Antigo.
On May 4, 1957 he was united in marriage to JoAnn Kircher at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Berwyn, Il. JoAnn survives and resides in Antigo.
Joe was a 1946 graduate of Antigo High School. He went on to study at Marquette University and later earned his Charter Life Underwriter credentials through Lawrence University. Joe was a Northwestern Mutual Chartered Life Insurance Underwriter serving the Antigo area for many years.
He was a member of St. John Catholic Church where he was active as their choir director for 50 years and continued as a member of their choir for many years to follow. He also served as a lector, was a catechism instructor, past president of the St. John Catholic School PTA, and 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1214 and Council 1002.
Joe was known in the community as “Mr. Music”. He began playing the string bass in high school and was a talented vocalist as well. He played and sang for many weddings and was a member of many area bands including, old Lager Orchestra, 45 south to Dixie, Centennial Band, Northern Aires, Bud Bacon Trio, and the Spud City Four Quartet, a group that had the honor of singing at the dedication of Lambeau Field in 1957. He often emceed banquets and events and had a great time doing so. People will remember him as “Whistling Joe” as one could often recognize his presence by his whistling.
His family and children meant the world to Joe. All were welcome at the Bretl home with their “open door” policy.
Joe was a dedicated to the Antigo area as a member of Antigo Kiwanis, a 70 year member of the Antigo ELKS Club, and a past member of the Antigo Area Chamber of Commerce. He was the 1980 recipient of the Lloyd Wendt Man of the Year award for sharing his musical talent with the community. He served on the Antigo City Council and the Antigo Unified School District Board of Education. Joe also enjoyed driving the Kettlebowl Ski Hill bus.
Joe was a member of Antigo Bass Lake Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, tennis, bowling and jogging.
In addition to his wife, JoAnn, he is survived by 2 daughters; Lisa (Jim) Shafel of Antigo and Patty (Deano) Bushey of Stevens Point; 6 sons; Joseph, Jr. (Vicky) of Orland Park, IL, Paul (Cami) of Madison, Chris (Sheryl) of Madison, Eric (Shannon) of Prior Lake, MN, Neil of Deerbrook, H. Nicholas (Robyn) of Weston, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by a sister Connie King and her husband Chet, a brother George C. Bretl and his wife Verle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home with a parish wake service at 7:30PM. The Knights of Columbus will have a Rosary service at 4:00PM at the funeral home. There will be visitation on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the service in the Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church. Interment will be in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Joe was born on October 1, 1926 to the late George L. and Florian (Sims) Bretl in Antigo.
On May 4, 1957 he was united in marriage to JoAnn Kircher at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Berwyn, Il. JoAnn survives and resides in Antigo.
Joe was a 1946 graduate of Antigo High School. He went on to study at Marquette University and later earned his Charter Life Underwriter credentials through Lawrence University. Joe was a Northwestern Mutual Chartered Life Insurance Underwriter serving the Antigo area for many years.
He was a member of St. John Catholic Church where he was active as their choir director for 50 years and continued as a member of their choir for many years to follow. He also served as a lector, was a catechism instructor, past president of the St. John Catholic School PTA, and 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1214 and Council 1002.
Joe was known in the community as “Mr. Music”. He began playing the string bass in high school and was a talented vocalist as well. He played and sang for many weddings and was a member of many area bands including, old Lager Orchestra, 45 south to Dixie, Centennial Band, Northern Aires, Bud Bacon Trio, and the Spud City Four Quartet, a group that had the honor of singing at the dedication of Lambeau Field in 1957. He often emceed banquets and events and had a great time doing so. People will remember him as “Whistling Joe” as one could often recognize his presence by his whistling.
His family and children meant the world to Joe. All were welcome at the Bretl home with their “open door” policy.
Joe was a dedicated to the Antigo area as a member of Antigo Kiwanis, a 70 year member of the Antigo ELKS Club, and a past member of the Antigo Area Chamber of Commerce. He was the 1980 recipient of the Lloyd Wendt Man of the Year award for sharing his musical talent with the community. He served on the Antigo City Council and the Antigo Unified School District Board of Education. Joe also enjoyed driving the Kettlebowl Ski Hill bus.
Joe was a member of Antigo Bass Lake Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, tennis, bowling and jogging.
In addition to his wife, JoAnn, he is survived by 2 daughters; Lisa (Jim) Shafel of Antigo and Patty (Deano) Bushey of Stevens Point; 6 sons; Joseph, Jr. (Vicky) of Orland Park, IL, Paul (Cami) of Madison, Chris (Sheryl) of Madison, Eric (Shannon) of Prior Lake, MN, Neil of Deerbrook, H. Nicholas (Robyn) of Weston, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by a sister Connie King and her husband Chet, a brother George C. Bretl and his wife Verle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home with a parish wake service at 7:30PM. The Knights of Columbus will have a Rosary service at 4:00PM at the funeral home. There will be visitation on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the service in the Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church. Interment will be in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
A memorial scholarship fund will be established for an Antigo High School student pursuing education in music.