Joseph Plautz

Joseph Plautz, 86, beloved husband, father, and grandfather entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on April 18, 2023. He was born on May 4, 1936 in Wausau, Wisconsin, to John and Dora Plautz. Joe graduated from Wausau High School in 1954 and from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois in 1959. He married JoAnn (Frese) Plautz on July 8, 1961 in Hoyleton, Illinois.

He is survived by daughters Jan Kassing, Jill (Mark) Hitz and Julie (Tim) Cook; grandchildren Daniel (Nicole) Kassing, Matthew Kassing, Rachel Kassing, Olivia Hitz, Julia Hitz, Madeline Cook, and Josiah Cook; great grandchildren Kinsley and Aubrey Kassing; sister Karen (John) Jauch; sister-in-law Donna Ray; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Charles Plautz, Eugene Plautz, and James Plautz, sisters-in-law Dorothy Plautz and Carol Plautz and son-in-law John Kassing.

Joe's life revolved around his faith, his family, and his work. He loved and served his Lord and others. He supported and prayed for his children and grandchildren by name on a daily basis. Joe began his teaching career as a Lutheran school teacher in Yankton, South Dakota. He also taught at Salem Lutheran School in Jacksonville, Illinois for over 20 years. In 1988, Joe and JoAnn moved to Wausau where he was a librarian at Trinity Lutheran School. Joe enjoyed his life's work being a teacher and librarian.

Joe could always make his children and grandchildren laugh by playing with them and telling his many jokes. He took pride in woodworking and building furniture for his family. He loved to spend his leisure time making wine and candles, growing vegetables and flowers, and fixing anything that was broken. He was also passionate about using his God-given singing ability in the Trinity Church Choir and Wausau Barbershop. 

Services for Joseph Plautz will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave, Wausau at 11:00 AM with Pastor Timothy Smith officiating. The service will be livestreamed and available for viewing on Joe's obituary page at www.helke.com. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church on Monday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School.

"To depart and be with Christ is far better." Philippians 1:23