On Thursday, April 23, 2020 Joseph Ernest Rechsteiner, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 84.
Joe was an active man and was a joy; (or a pistol); to all who knew him. He was a man of few words but his handshake was an unspoken act of confidence, strength and integrity. Joe was a family man through and through and always had time to build special projects for his children and grandchildren through the use of his wood working skills.
Joe was born on December 31, 1935 to Arnold and Ella (Lang) Rechsteiner in Kawkawlin, Michigan. He married Kathleen Schoof, the love of his life, on January 24, 1958.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years Kathleen; children, JoAnn (Barth) Betzold, Connie Rechsteiner, Barbara (William) Thayer, Michelle (Larry) Box, Steven (Carrie) Rechsteiner; grandchildren, Joshua, Westin, Carson and Ayla Thayer, Jeremy Betzold, Morgan and Dugan Box and Cole and Kanyon Rechsteiner; siblings, James (Karen) Rechsteiner, Danny (Carol) Rechsteiner, Irene Rechsteiner; sisters-in-law, Maxine Rechsteiner, Babe Rechsteiner and Rosanne Rechsteiner; brother-in-law, Lawrence Grove and nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother; daughter, Lisa Rechsteiner; granddaughter, Julie Rechsteiner; brothers, Arnold, John, William, Frank, Harry, LeRoy, Benjamin and Louie; sisters, Nelly, Nancy and Lilly.
Joe worked for over 50 years as a mason/contractor and licensed residential builder. Following retirement he could be found cutting logs with his Woodmizer sawmill and doing woodworking. He truly loved his many dogs, enjoyed gardening, growing sunflowers, tomatoes and gladiolus, raising livestock especially chickens. When not working on his projects, he enjoyed camping (in a caravan), country music and time with his family. There was nothing "too big or too small" that he couldn't masterfully create.
Private services will take place on Sunday at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1010 33rd Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708 with interment in Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Kawkawlin. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church.