Joseph R. Fliess, 95, Burlington, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Jan. 21, 2013.
He was born Aug. 9, 1917, in Mills, N.M., to the late Lawrence W. and Herminnie (Brand) Fliess. He spent his early life and received his education in Kenosha County.
He proudly served in the U.S. Marines during World War II.
On March 27, 1943, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in San Diego, Calif., he married Jean Catherine Chizek. They had been residents of Burlington for the past 15 years and on March 27 would have proudly celebrated 70 years of marriage.
He worked for AMC Chrysler as a tool and die maker, retiring in 1987. They owned and operated Joe and Jean’s Tavern from 1972 until 1997. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burlington and was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
In his younger days, he enjoyed flying airplanes and riding motorcycles. He enjoyed traveling to Germany to visit his brother, Bert, who was a Priest in Munich, and also to the Marine Corps reunions that were held all over the United States. He truly enjoyed life and was a very faithful Catholic. His faith meant the world to him.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years; children, Catherine Fliess, Lawrence Fliess, Patricia (Richard) Kaminski, Joe (Sandy) Fliess, Tim Fliess, Irene (Mike) Rossi, Terry Fliess, Richard (Susan) Fliess, Lorraine Fliess and Ronald Fliess; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Clarence Fliess, Norbert (Laydene) Fliess and Albert (Sally) Fliess; sisters, Marie Tabbert, and Trudy (Marlin) Biehn; sisters-in-law, Florence Fliess and Nancy Fliess.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers, Lawrence, Leo, Alois, Raymond and Bertram Fliess; and grandson, Pete Kaminski.
Visitation is Friday, Jan. 25, from 4-7 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Funeral services are Saturday, Jan. 26, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burlington. The Rev. James Volkert will officiate. Private burial will be in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mary’s Church have been suggested.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Rein and his staff, as well as the staff of VNA Hospice for all their care and compassion.
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