Joseph Herman Kershasky

Joe was born on March 13, 1943, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Michael and Elizabeth Kershasky. He graduated from Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and then pursued a bachelors degree in Physical Education from The University of LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

On April 29th 1972, Joe married his lovely wife, Patricia Kershasky, in Milwaukee Wisconsin. They were blessed with over 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Joe’s first job as a young man was a caddie at Bullseye golf club in Wisconsin Rapids where he and his brothers grew a love for the game. After college, Joe began a career with helping youth sports, particularly following his love for the game of basketball. Joe first started in Milwaukee with the Christian Youth Organization, CYO, and ran several summer basketball camps. Joe’s next job was at the Milwaukee Boys Club and one of his many jobs was coaching the boys basketball team. Joe worked a second job as a bartender at Mikes Tavern near Milwaukee County stadium. After leaving the Boys Club Joe made his final career move to the Milwaukee County Parks where he was a superintendent at Wilson Park Recreation Center.

Joe was actively involved in St. Alexander’s Elementary School and coached his son’s grade school basketball team. Taking the team to many tournaments including the Padre Serra invitational. Joe’s love of basketball was seen working as a referee, mostly for high school basketball games. After retiring from refereeing, he continued to be involved with basketball timing and scoring as well as high school football. Joe moved up to college games, mostly for Marquette women’s and an occasional shot clock operator for the Milwaukee Bucks.

After retiring, Joe and Pat began spending winters in Destin, Florida, where they enjoyed years 20 of sunshine, golf, new friendships, and time together. Joe’s passions included manicuring his lawn and garden, playing golf, and cheering for his Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He found joy in connection, conversation and telling stories.

Joe is preceded in death by his Mother and Father Mike and Elizabeth Kershasky. His sister Jeanne Glowdowski. And Uncle Ted Lutz.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Pat and his son Kyle (wife Kelly). And his sister Jennifer Holden and brothers Jim, Jack and Jerry Kershasky.

Services will include a live stream. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in Raleigh, NC at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park on Saturday July 26th at 12:30pm. Visitation with the family will begin at 12 Noon. Streaming option will be available by going to https://www.youtube.com/@MitchellFuneralHomeatRMP/streams.