Joseph C. (Joe) Calmes age 95, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family at home.

He was born on April 4, 1931 the son of the late Joseph and Marie (Lochen) Calmes at Athens, WI. On April 23, 1949 he was united in marriage to Geneva Beyer for 62 years, who preceded him in death on February 4, 2013. They resided in the town of Maine and later moved to Wausau, WI. He worked at Sillcrest and retired from James River after 42 years.

Joseph loved the many family gatherings and time spent with family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great, great grand-child. Above all he had a strong faith in God. He was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church, who rarely missed a Sunday. (2 Timothy, 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.). He enjoyed having friends over and playing cards and games, and watching the Green Bay Packers play. In younger years, he also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, son, Duane (Carol) Calmes, Wausau, grandchildren, Nikki (Dave) Dejno, Shane Eimerman and great granddaughter, Isabella Eimerman.

Daughter-in-law, Mary (Bruce) Calmes, Merrill, and grandchildren, AJ (Angie), and their children, Cole, Connor, Claire. Josh (Beth) and their children, Paityn, Jaidyn (great, great grandson, Bowyn), Brooklyn, and Morgyn. Amanda (John) Stelling and children, Brock and Jaxon Baars.

Daughter, Gayle (David) Klotzbuecher, Indianapolis, IN., and grandchildren, Annah Klotzbuecher, Andy (Debbie) Happli and their child, Jade,

Daughter, Julie (Stan) Skic, Merrill, and grandchildren, Tony Skic, Sarah (Mike) Myszka, great grandson, Tim (Kayleigh) and great-great grandson, Gabe. Adam (Brittany) and great grandchildren, Benjamin and Madison.

Son-in-law, Daniel (Jane) Ostrowski, grand son-in-law, Winsor Cosby and great grandchildren, Tekoya and Daeshan Cosby.

Sisters, Ruth (Tony) Brodjeski, Delores (Ken) Wolf, sister-in-law, Lynette (Michael) Calmes and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and wife, Geneva, Joseph was preceded in death by his son, Bruce, who was killed in an auto accident while returning home from a hunting trip in Nova Scotia in 2007, daughter, Diane Ostrowski, died from cancer in 2010, daughter in law Linda (née Lane) Calmes, granddaughter, Shannon Cosby, sister, Carol and brother-in- law, Ronald Listle, brother’s, Michael, Richard and sister-in-law, Rita, Robert and sister-in-law, Vernelle and James Calmes.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am and the memorial service will begin at 11:00, Thursday, November 19, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church (15425 S. County Rd. K, Merrill, WI 54452) with Pastor Donald Love officiating.

All memorial donations will go towards continuing Christian education.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the loving care, Joseph received from Heartland Hospice and especially Nurse Nic, JT, Nurse Raechal, Social worker, Beth, CNA nurse Melissa and so many more.