Joe Lynn Wise, 67, of Cawker City, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on October 13th, 2021. Joe was born June 24th, 1954 in Beloit, Kansas, to Eugene and Lois Wise. Joe attended Cawker City Elementary and learned how to work hard at an early age; driving his Grandpa Wieranga's tractor at three or four years old (depending on which age he decided when he was telling the story). Joe was very clever and learned how to get away with things. Joe's siblings reported that as a child, he had an imaginary friend called "Leo the Lion". Somehow whenever Joe got blamed for doing something naughty, he always blamed it on Leo the Lion, thinking he could get away with it. Joe graduated from Waconda East High School in 1972. Shortly after his high school graduation, Joe started his venture into the construction business. Throughout his years of construction work, Joe had the pleasure of working with his brother, Dick, his sons, other family members and many friends. Before retiring, he was so proud and had the wonderful experience of working for his son Skyler, who shares the same love of the trade.
On August 20th, 1977, Joe married the love of his life, Barbara Colby. After their union, Barb and Joe decided to start their new life together in Cawker City, Kansas. They bought a small plot of land, moved a small house on it and this was the start of the "Wise Mansion". To this union three children were born; Jake, Felisha, and Skyler. Joe instilled his hard work ethic and dedication to getting a job done in his children. Throughout the years Joe used his spare time to salvage old houses, taking any items from the house that could be used as building materials. By doing this and with his hard work ethic, you can see his mission of his dream house was accomplished. We have a wonderful reminder of his artistic carpentry skills in every room of the house.
Between his many years of construction work, Joe was a STAR mail route carrier, servicing people in Tipton and Hunter. Many of the people on his mail route noted that he went above and beyond his job duty. Through this work he developed many great friendships. One of Joe's favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle. He had many adventures with his best friend and brother Dick. We are pretty sure the family still hasn't heard all the true stories of Sturgis. Joe had a love of gardening. He had a green thumb and always raised the best produce. He was very meticulous and weeds didn't have a chance to grow!
The pride and joy of his life were not only his children, but also his grandchildren. Many weekends were spent playing with them and giving them many rides on his golf cart. The grandkids loved helping their papa work in the garden, cleaning up the yard or even helping work around the house. Joe had a very caring and giving heart. He would always lend a helping hand, even doing tough work for others.
Joe is survived by his wife, Barb, of the home, Cawker City, Kansas; son Jake Wise of Salina, Kansas; daughter Felisha Bland and husband Mark of Lucas, Kansas; son Skyler Wise and wife Michelle of Cawker City, Kansas; brother Dick Wise (Sue) of Cawker City, Kansas; sisters Majean Schneider of Downs, Kansas; Jayne VandiRiet of Downs, Kansas; Judy Cook (Tom) of Parkville, Missouri; Callie Bader (Steve) of Cawker City, Kansas; sister-in-law Ruth Tanis (Jim) of Hays, Kansas; and grandchildren Annaleise, Hadley, Maci, Cohen, Teegan, Morgan and Norah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lois Wise; brother Mac Wise; brother-in-law Jim Schneider and brother-in-law Randy VandeRiet.
Joe was taken to his heavenly home far too soon. He would ask you to miss him a little but not for long. Instead, remember the love he had for his most precious family and friends. As the morning sun rises, remember he is with you in spirit and will greet you again one day when you take your journey to heaven.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Monday, October 18, at the Cawker City United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Sunday at the Church. Memorials have yet to be determined.
Roberts Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be left at www.robertsfamilyfs.com