Joseph L. Ausman
Joseph L. Ausman, age 91, of Elk Mound, passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar in Menomonie, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born June 2, 1932, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, the son of Leo and Annie (Gagner) Ausman. Joe grew up on the Ausman family farm and graduated from Elk Mound High School, where he met his future wife, Norma Dahl and they were married June 27, 1953, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elk Mound. After marriage they made their home on the farm and raised their family.
Joe’s stature alone made him a presence in a room, however his heart, smile and caring nature made him a friend to all. Joe had a welcoming spirit, forgiving heart, unweaving optimism and hands to prove a life of resilience and hard work.
Joe was known as a prominent and progressive farmer in the Wheaton area, building one of the first milking parlors. Farm life became family life, and decades of memories have been made at the family farm, making the farm the “hub” where all were welcome at any time. Joe’s family has continued to make Sundays a day dedicated to family, where everyone brings a dish to pass and their stories from the week.
Besides farming and raising their family, Joe served as President of the St. Joseph’s Church Board. During that time he was instrumental in the building of the current church. He was a 4-H Dairy Project Leader for many years. Joe also served on the Milk Producers Board for Chippewa Co. and the Township of Wheaton Planning Commission.
An angler at heart, Joe and his wife Norma started a family tradition of fishing at Caliper Lake in Nestor Falls, Canada. Joe always knew the best spots to sit, the perfect spot to cast and the right lure to have on the line. Although he spent most of his time fixing others poles, unhooking the grandkids fish and steering the boat, he loved cheering and giving tips from the stern.
Joe also enjoyed family events, hunting, polka music, card club, and visiting with friends and family.
Joe is survived by his wife, Norma, children; Marie (Ron) Swartz, Charles (Lori) Ausman, Peter (Brenda) Ausman, Louise (David) Turek and Janet (Michael) Brunner; 12 grandchildren, Kristine (Brian) Marcou, Jennifer Gutowski, Allison (Paul) Osmak, Joshua (Ashley) Ausman, Sarah (Blake Johnson) Ausman, Rachel Ausman, Jacob Ausman (Klare Armstrong), Emily Ausman, Andrea (Jeremy) Mahr, Aaron (Skylar) Turek, Zachary Brunner (Lindsay Neitzel) and Hannah (Dan) Schubbe; 11 great grandchildren, Lili Marcou, Ava and Anthony Gutowski, Dylan and Olivia Osmak, James, Avery and Joseph Mahr, Benjamin Johnson, Lewis and Isabel Turek; one brother, Thomas (Dianne) Ausman, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John (Lucille) & Donald (Ann) Ausman.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday May 1, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elk Mound with Rev. Timothy Welles officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.