Joseph "Joe" Ruegsegger, age 76 of Minocqua, WI, died on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Joe was born on September 15, 1943, the son of Albert and Irma (nee Amacher) Ruegsegger.

Joe graduated from Blanchardville High School and was employed with New Glarus Foods then Swiss Colony, retiring after 21 years. Joe married Marleen Fjelstad on October 1, 2005.

In his younger days, he loved playing softball on Monday nights and enjoying strawberry ice cream at the folks. Joe loved football, especially the Green Bay Packers, fishing and playing cards. Joe was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church and the St. Germain Primetimers Club. His proudest accomplishment was volunteering in Lac du Flambeau, and from that spirit of helping others Joe and Marleen started a program called Hope in a Backpack. It was very important to see that the children in the community have food on the weekend.

He is survived by his wife, Marleen Ruegsegger; and his children, Nickole (Brett) Beuch, Joseph (Jo) Ruegsegger II, John Ruegsegger, Kristine Albrecht and Kenneth (Michele) Schuch; and grandchildren, Joseph Ruegsegger III, Renee Ruegsegger, Michael Ruegsegger, Sgt. Brandon Schuch, Riley Schuch, Random (Shandra) Beuch; and by his siblings, Roy (Carolyn), Evelyn "Toots" (Marty) Palus, Steve (Irene) Ruegsegger, Mark (Jeannie) Ruegsegger, Ken Ruegsegger, Randall Ruegsegger and Bruce (Katrina) Ruegsegger; and by his uncle, John (Kay) Amacher; and by many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Albert; his first wife, Sheryll; and his mother, Irma, who passed just hours before Joe.

A Memorial Service for Joe was held on Monday, October 28, 2019, at 12:00 noon at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, WI, and visitation was from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment is in the Old York Cemetery in Blanchardville, WI. There was also a memorial gathering to celebrate Joe's and Irma's life on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Zentner-Beal Funeral Home in New Glarus, WI, and a Memorial Service on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at the New Glarus Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hope in a Backpack, c/o Ascension Lutheran Church, PO Box 940, Minocqua, WI 54548.

Online condolences may be shared at http://www.nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.