Joseph M. Fierst

Joseph M. Fierst, 87, of Luxemburg died at St. Vincent Hospital on Friday, February 18, 2022, after a short illness. Joe was born in Antigo, Wisconsin, on December 25, 1934, to the late Martha and Alexander Fierst, the youngest of three children. Joe attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, and graduated with a major in Biology, hoping to become a forest ranger. As much as he enjoyed his time in nature, his true calling was in the classroom. Luxemburg High School needed an interim English teacher in 1959, and he answered the call, finding his passion in education. Joe married Ruth Ann Dorner at St. Mary Church in Luxemburg on October 26, 1963. He must have known that Ruth Ann was the one when he realized that she, too, was a Christmas baby. Together they settled in Luxemburg and raised 5 children—Joe Jr., Jean, Susan, John, and Ann. Joe earned his Master’s degree in English Education from Northern Michigan University in 1967. He continued teaching at Luxemburg-Casco High School until he retired in 1996 after 37 years of service. Joe had a long and decorated career at L-C, earning the Golden Apple Distinguished Teacher Award in 1996. He was proud to be a member of the SNC Golden Knights. Joe was a very faith-filled man. He served many roles at St. Mary Parish in Luxemburg over the years as school board president, eucharistic minister, religion education teacher, reader, usher, and even choir member in his later years. He was a founding member of St. Mary Parish Knights of Columbus chapter. Upon retirement, Joe continued to enjoy his outdoor pursuits—fishing, woodcutting, and hunting. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and attending Learning in Retirement classes with lifelong colleague and friend, Don Schimmels and Ruth Ann. Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Ann, his children Joe Jr. (Debbie) Fierst of Rhinelander, Wis; Jean (Peter) Thillman of Green Bay, Wis: Susan (Jamie) Whalen of Green Bay, Wis, John (Pam) Fierst of Green Bay, Wis, and Ann (Mike) Rohe of Spring Green, Wis., and 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: Joe (Angela) Fierst, Beth (Craig) Van Den Elzen, Matthew (Julie Rudd) Fierst, Alex (Tsering Yangchen) Thillman, Nicholas Thillman, Abigail Thillman, and Margaret Thillman; Sam (LeeAnn) Whalen, Gabe Whalen, Rafe Whalen, Jacob (fiancée Jenna Houston) Fierst, Aiden Fierst, Elise Fierst, Natalie Rohe, Sophie Rohe, and Zach Rohe. Joe is further survived by his older brother Alan Fierst of Luxemburg and sister Jackie (Tom) Keller of Cape Cod, Mass., and Ruth Ann’s family, Bonnie Ronsman, Joe and Nancy Dorner, Jim and Diane Dorner, Dotty and Allen Kinnard, and Pat and George Gissel. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends. Joe was preceded in death by one sister in law and two brothers in law, Madelyn Fierst, Cletus LeGrave and Roger Ronsman; his mother in law and father in law, Olive and Joseph M. Dorner. Visitation will be held at St. Mary Church Parish Hall – Luxemburg, from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 and continuing between 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 23, 2022 with Rev. Daniel Schuster officiating and nephew Rev. Joseph Dorner concelebrating. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Luxemburg. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Joe. McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG is assisting the family. www.mcmahonfh.com A special thank you to the caregivers at St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice and especially his granddaughter, Beth, a nurse who passionately advocated for his care and comfort.