Joseph Andrew Fox, Janesville/Beloit  (1922 - 2012)

November 18, 1922 - July 18, 2012
Joseph Andrew Fox, 89, went to his eternal reward on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in the presence of his loving family. He was born Nov. 18, 1922, in Janesville, WI, the son of James Martin and Ella Mae (Keyes) Fox. Joseph was a 1941 graduate of Janesville High School. He served during WWII with the United States Army as a Tech Sergeant Master Gunner with the 497th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division. His outfit fought in the Philippines and New Guinea. He received an honorable citation for accuracy firing on distant target conversion from anti-aircraft to field artillery as a Master Gunner. When he arrived in Guadalcanal, he transferred to the 475th protecting the trains of General McArthur.
Joseph married Mary Marcella Geenen on Aug. 16, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Janesville, WI. She predeceased him on July 19, 2006. When he returned home from service, Joseph was employed by Ossit Church Furniture Company in Janesville as a kiln operator. He worked for the Manhaten Bowling Pin Company in Hanover, PA. Later, he worked for the United States Postal Service in Janesville, and afterward, was employed by the Beloit Post Office for many years as mail carrier on Rural Route four.
At one time he was president of the Janesville Letter Carriers and president of Rock/Walworth County Rural Carriers Association. After his retirement, Joseph worked in the chemistry lab at Beloit College. He belonged to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and then later, was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption parish for over 30 years.
Joe was a past Grand Knight of the Carroll Council Knights of Columbus in Janesville. He was a District Deputy for the Knights serving Beloit, Janesville, Delavan, and Elkhorn. He was a 4th degree member of Msgr. Joseph E. Hanz Assembly #1209. He was an active member as well as past president of the St. Vincent De Paul Society.
His faith was extremely important to him. He showed dedication, loyalty, and love to his church and family. He enjoyed watching Packer and Brewer games, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his two daughters, Margaret Gracyalny of South Beloit, IL, and Ann de Onis of Bozeman, MT; seven grandchildren, Mary Gracyalny, Joseph Gracyalny, Jennifer Gracyalny, Anthony Gracyalny, Kevin Gracyalny, Kathleen de Onis, and Victoria de Onis; sister, Janice (George) Wollinger of Evansville, WI; brother, James (Mary Jo) Fox of Janesville, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his parents; and brothers: Richard, Thomas and William.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit, WI, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Thabor Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5 until 8 p.m. in the DALEY MURPHY WISCH & ASSOCIATES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI with a Rosary to be recited at 4:45 p.m. Visitation will also be Wednesday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the CHURCH.
Memorials may be given in his name to St. Vincent De Paul Society, EWTN, or the Cardinal Newman Society.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com.