JJoseph C. Orfe, age 84, of Altoona, died peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Oakwood Villa. He was born to Joseph and Charlotte (Foster) Orfe, on April 9, 1930, in Beverly, New Jersey. Joe graduated from high school in Burlington, NJ, with the class of 1949. In his early years, he was a Boy Scout later attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He then went to Studebaker Training School in South Bend, IN. Joe was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department #1 and a charter member of the Emergency Squad, both in Beverly, NJ. In 1950, Joe entered the Air Force during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged in November of 1954, with the rank of Staff Sgt. On July 24, 1954, Joe married Louise Seyer at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire. They moved back to Eau Claire in 1955. He worked at Sterling Pulp and Paper, Armour Foods, and the Career Development Center, retiring in 1992 as a supervisor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1257 serving as their Grand Knight. Joe was a 4th Degree Member, Bishop Sheen Assembly 1525, also serving as a Past Faithful Navigator, and Past Marshall of the Honor Guard. He was a member of the Eau Claire American Legion Post #53. Joe volunteered much of his time with St. Francis Food Pantry, Community Table, Beacon House, he was also an usher at Immaculate Conception, and helped with the yearly Fish Boil. He was very proud to have donated over 20 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. In his retirement, Joe enjoyed watching his granddaughters grow into fine young ladies. Family was very important to Joe and each and every gathering gave him so much pleasure. Joe and Louise traveled to Germany and New Jersey for reunions. They wintered in Florida also visited the Bahamas, Hawaii, and other parts of the United States. Collecting military memorabilia was also a hobby of Joe's for many years. Joe is survived by his wife of over 60 ½ years, Louise; son, James Orfe; granddaughters, Jolene (Paul) Jereczek of Pine Creek, WI and Heather (Fiancé, Andrew Schneewind) Orfe of Minnetonka, MN; great-grandchildren, Bronson, Sophia and Silas Jereczek; brother, S. Fred (Patricia) Orfe of New Jersey; sister, Mary Jane Morgan of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Theodore (Nancy) Seyer; along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings; sisters, Louise, Winifred, Helen, Marceline, and Margaret; brothers, Norman and Leo; and brothers and sisters-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Father Donald Meuret will be officiating. Pallbearers include the Knights of Columbus. Interment will be at a later date at St. Raymond's Cemetery (Holy Guardian Angels) in Brackett. Military Honors will be conducted by the Eau Claire American Legion Post #53. The family would like to thank Dr. Philip Jacoby for all his special care for many years. They would also like to thank Joe's care giving team at Oakwood Villa for the past months and St Joseph's Hospice. They have been so kind and compassionate. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Knights of Columbus Charities, P.O. Box 923, Eau Claire WI, 54702 or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Service Information

Visitation

Friday, April 10 2015 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, April 10 2015 11:00 AM

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 1712 Highland Ave. Eau Claire WI 54701