Joseph William Doleshal

   WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Joseph William Doleshal, 51, passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, with his family at his side.

   Joe was born on April 13, 1975, in Rhinelander Wisconsin, to Joseph E. Doleshal and Diane (Brownell) Hartwick.

   Joseph was raised in Watersmeet and spent the greater part of his youth on the family’s property on Beatons Lake. This would fuel his passion for a life full of adventure, knowledge and a love of the outdoors.

   Upon his graduation from Watersmeet High School in 1993, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the destroyer USS O’Bannon as a STG3 sonar technician. During his service, Joseph received multiple decorations and letters of commendation for his superior performance and knowledge. Joe’s time in the service facilitated his love of travel and allowed him to explore the world. 

   After his honorable discharge in 1998, his journey wasn’t over. Joe continued to travel, from the rivers in Alaska, the beaches of Hawaii, to the turquoise waters in the Caribbean and so many places in between before returning home to Gogebic County in 2000 where he entered the workforce. At the time of Joe’s passing, he had spent the last 14 years employed as a residential training specialist for the Community Mental Health in Wakefield.

   In June 2001, Joseph met Victoria and together they began a whole new adventure. They married in July 2003. In their years together Joe and Vicki welcomed and raised their three children, Abigail (Preston Allen), Jolie and Joseph O. Doleshal, and made their home in Wakefield.

   During his years in Wakefield, Joe could be spotted almost daily on his afternoon walk, or kayaking Sunday Lake on a sunny afternoon, but if you didn’t see him, you could find him in his study behind a good book.

   Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Victoria, and their children. He is further survived by his mother, Diane (Roy) Hartwick; a sister, Christine Doleshal; his in-law’s, Diane and David Halberg, Randy Keski and Kristopher Keski; nephews, Mason Keski and Justin LaPlant; and nieces, Jazmine LaPlant and Alexandria Albaugh. Also surviving are uncles, Frank (Maureen) Doleshal, Mark (Michele) Doleshal, Robert (Patricia) Doleshal and John Doleshal; aunts, Karen (Milton) Yoblonski, Lorraine Bernhardt and Kathy Costarello; a host of cousins, extended family, friends and co-workers.

   He was predeceased by his grandparents; father, Joseph E. Doleshal; uncles, Ted Costarello and Jeff Doleshal; an aunt, Melissa Smith; a cousin, James Smith; and other beloved family members.

   Cremation has taken place and private interment will take place in the fall.

   A Celebration of Life with full military honors will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, at the John Siira Pavilion on beautiful Sunday Lake in Wakefield. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with military rights and service to commence at noon. Luncheon will follow.

   Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc. in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.