Joseph L. Flottmeyer

Joseph “Joe” L. Flottmeyer of La Crosse died peacefully on July 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born March 2, 1937 in La Crosse to Edward and Caroline (Gilles) Flottmeyer, he was the 7^th of 11 children. He attended St. John’s Grade School, was a proud member of the Class of 1955 of Aquinas High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Wisconsin State University – Platteville (UW-Platteville). On June 30, 1962, Joe married Margaret “Peggy” Schwarzhoff at St. Wenceslaus Parish in La Crosse.

Joe and Peggy lived on the northside of La Crosse their entire life. He worked with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 36 years. He made many great friends and memories working at the DOT as he spent most of his career as a construction project engineer overseeing projects on the new interstate system as well as many road and bridge projects in and around the La Crosse area. He retired in 1997.

Joe’s Catholic faith was the foundation upon which he built his life. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. John’s/St. James Catholic Church, where he served in a variety of volunteer positions, as a volunteer at Aquinas High School, and a member of many other organizations in the La Crosse area. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 839 in which he and Peggy were awarded the family of the year.

Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who led by example and had a great sense of humor. He always had a funny comment with a smile and a raised eyebrow that would keep a room laughing. He was a strong supporter of his children and grandchildren in their academic, athletic, and professional pursuits and always made sure to let them know how proud he was of them.

Joe’s passions included attending daily Mass, bowling, tennis, reading and listening to novels, enjoying old movies and TV shows, grilling out, watching the Packers and Badgers, sitting on the steps and watching the world go by, garage parties, and having a “cold one” sitting around the picnic table with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Peggy; children Michael, Michele, Molly (Curt) Riley, Stephen (Annette), Joseph (Janet), Margie (Jim) Savoldelli, and Kevin (Katie); sister Monica (Clarence) Forer, brother Stephen (Ann) and sisters-in-law Char Flottmeyer and Mary Flottmeyer and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by grandchildren Aidan, Claire, Meg, Mary, and Colin Riley; Andrew and Anna Flottmeyer; Matthew Flottmeyer; John, Jacob, Joseph, and Kathryn Savoldelli; and Sam and Eddie Flottmeyer.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margaret (Jim) Stremcha, Janice (Ephraim) Johnson, Mary (Jim) Smith, Rose (Dave) Dayton and brothers Albert, Donald, Robert, and David (Jean).

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, July 24, 2020 in St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse, WI 54603. Rev. James Altmann will officiate with burial to be held in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Friday.

We would like to thank Gundersen Renal Dialysis Center for all the excellent care they provided Joe.

Memorial donations may be made to the Aquinas High School Foundation.