February 11, 2020 – Port Washington, WI – Joseph G. ”Joe” Demler, 94, of Port Washington, WI peacefully passed away at home with his family at his side Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
He was born December 7, 1925 in Fredonia, WI; son of Dr. John (DVM) and Catherine Linden Demler. Joe graduated from Port Washington High School and shortly after left for the Army, June 6, 1944 during World War Two. As a Private, Joe served in the 137th Infantry during the Battle of the Bulge. As a POW, Joe was liberated from a Nazi concentration camp and was discharged on November 15, 1945.
On September 1, 1951, Joe married Therese Schmit of Lake Church at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church. They built their home in Port Washington and raised their family. Joe took a job with the Postal Service in Milwaukee. He would soon transfer to work at the Port Washington Post Office working at the service window and eventually becoming its Assistant Postmaster until his retirement after 37 years in 1982.
Joe enjoyed his retirement with his wife and family. They would take many trips together.
He was a proud member of the Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82 and Ozaukee Memorial Post VFW 5373. During the past few years, Joe participated in the first Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. He proudly shared his military story, paid tribute to all veterans and helped capture their stories. He took part in many Honor Flight events throughout the country. Joe’s motto from a doctor after his liberation became the message of the Honor Flight – “Every day is a bonus.”
Joe is survived by his wife Therese, his children Tom (Mary) Demler of West Bend, Steve (Jill Gaskell) Demler of Blanchardville and Catherine Demler of Port Washington; three grandchildren Harlan, Cora and Kevin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Madeline Holland and her husband Jack; sister-in-law Marie Schmit and brothers-in-law Eugene Schmit and wife Pauline, Clifford Schmit and his wives Pat and Marion and Wilfred Schmit and his wife Helen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at St. John XXIII Parish-St. Peter of Alcantara Church, 1802 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Visitation will take place from 3-5:45 p.m. Tuesday AT CHURCH prior to Mass. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Washington with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin (www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org) or St. John XXIII Parish (www.stjohn23rd.org) appreciated.
Sincere thanks to the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice and Stars and Stripes Honor Flight for their kindness and care to Joe.
