Bernard “Joe” Guithues Jr., of Antigo, died on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at The Bay at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center. He was 78 years old. He was born on June 27, 1941, in St. Louis, Mo. a son of the late Bernard and Leona (Louer) Guithues Sr.

He graduated from Dupo Community High School in Dupo, Ill with the class of 1959.

Joe was a career Navy Veteran having served with distinction two tours in Vietnam, as a Navy Corpsman with the U.S. Marines Corp. He served on the Maiden Voyage of USS Nimitz. He was an aerospace medicine technician and helicopter rescue crewman. He was also in the Gulf during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He received various commendations including; bravery during fire on USS Enhance, expert pistol shot award and combat action ribbon. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

He moved to Antigo in 1982. On May 13, 1985 he married Beverly (Eldridge) Chism in Iron Mountain, MI.

Joe was the manager of Super Wash in Antigo for many years. He was also an EMT for the Trout Land Rescue Squad.

He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post 3, and the Langlade County Voiture 1204, 40 et 8, having served as Sous Cheminot for district 9. He was also a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 662, the Monsignor Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002 and the Monsignor Conrad Saile Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 1214 all in Antigo.

He was an avid bowler, having received a 300 ring from the Professional Bowlers Association. He also enjoyed, golfing, hunting and fishing.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Donald (Bonnie) Guithues of North Carolina, Johnny Guithues of North Carolina and Daniel (Susan) Guithues of Virginia; two daughters, Dawn (Chuck) Miller of Antigo and Kristine Chism (Rich Beisley) of Antigo; grandchildren, Andy (Ashley), Kurtis, Timothy (Megan), James, Raven (Donza), Colleen and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Charlett and Kelly; and a sister, Leona (Jim) Nusbaum of Greenville, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Vada (Carrow) Guithues; a son, Jamie Chism; and a brother, James Guithues.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Reverend Charles Hoffman officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery, Antigo, with Antigo veterans providing Military Honors.

Visitation will be Monday, July 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard beginning at 5 p.m. and will conclude with the Knights of Columbus Rosary at 5:30 p.m., an Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. all on Monday evening at the funeral home.