Joseph J. Kerch

After a courageous battle with interstitial lung disease, it is with deep sorrow we announce that Joseph Kerch, age 67, passed away at St. Luke’s hospital in Milwaukee, WI on November 23, 2024. Joe was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on March 14, 1957, to John and Lucille (Perré) Kerch. He attended parochial and public school in Fond du Lac, WI as well as a year at St. Henry’s seminary in Illinois. Joe met his wife, Janice (Steffen) Kerch in college and the two were married on October 17, 1980. They were blessed with two children, Anna and Perré. 

Joe was gentle, as well as compassionate and humble, but perhaps above all things, he was a healer. He could heal wounds with his hands, the spirit with his subtle sense of humor and souls with his unwavering love and care. Even Joe’s career pathways attest to his healing nature and include being a group home coordinator for cognitive delayed adults at Diverse Options, a direct support professional at Limitless Possibilities, as well as a paramedic at Ripon Guardian Ambulance, Brooks Ambulance Service in Waupun and Lifestar Ambulance Service in West Bend.

Joe loved spending his free time creating recycled paper, woodcarving hiking sticks, pressing flowers, raising finches, reading and following the philosophies of Aldo Leopold, and tending to his rock garden. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. His family could rely on his calm presence and loving support in the best and worst of times. Whether crawfish catching for a science project with his daughter, hiking New Mexico mountains with his son or assisting his pre-school teacher wife by donning a king’s costume and joining the school’s “royal banquet”, Joe endlessly confirmed his dedication to care, support and love those around him. His three grandchildren will forever remember him as “Grandpa-Joe”, the person they relied on for smiles, giggles, laughter and all-around silliness. 

Joe is survived by wife Janice Kerch, daughter Anna Elmtouni (Said), son Perré Kerch and grandchildren Amina Elmtouni (15), Salma Elmtouni (12) and Kenan Elmtouni (5). Joe leaves three siblings and their spouses behind, including Theresa Gellings (Neal), Paul Kerch (Pam), and Lisa Farley (Jim), as well as his sister-in-law, Tamara Kerch. He is preceded in life by his parents, John Kerch and Lucille (Perré) Kerch, as well as his brother, Phillip Kerch. 

A Celebration of Life will be held for Joe from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Vines and Rushes Winery, 410 County Rd. E, Ripon, WI. The service will be at 1:15 pm, followed by open visitation at 2:00 pm. A memorial is being established in his name.

We love you, Joe, and pray that you are at peace in heaven with lungs made of iron and steel.