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Obituary: Joseph D. Wahlberg

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

      Joseph D. Wahlberg, 54, a resident of Hancock unexpectedly passed away Monday, April 3, 2023, at his home.

     He was born on July 26, 1968, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Gerald and Sallie (Spongberg) Wahlberg.  He was raised in the Three Lakes, WI, area and was a graduate of the Three Lakes High School with the class of 1986.

     Joe worked for a lumber company in Three Lakes while helping his father with his dock and pier company.  While working, he also volunteered in the full-time ministry work in the area, and also for a couple of years in New York City.   Mr. Wahlberg also owned and operated a Graphic Design Business before beginning a 20-year career as an EMT.  Joseph had been a volunteer Fire Fighter for the Pelkie Fire Department, Caspian-Gastra Fire Department and West Iron County Fire Department.

      On December 10, 1994, he was united in marriage to Melissa Heikkinen.  The couple had resided in Pelkie, Iron River , Baraga and Rapid City South Dakota and for the past two years made their home in Hancock.

     Mr. Wahlberg was a member of the Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hancock. He had a strong faith in God and the Bible’s hope and promises.  He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, traveling to Florida, exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota with Melissa and finding their favorite fishing spots, spending time with his family and dog Mayzei. He had a great sense of humor and uplifted many with his humor and caring attitude.  He felt a great sense of duty and love for others and displayed this, especially through his work as an EMT.  He will be remembered as a loving husband and father who worked hard to provide for them and his kind, gentle nature and loving heart.

     Preceding him in death were his parents, and his birth mother Mary Johnson and his nephew, Keith   

     Surviving are: 

          His wife: Melissa Wahlberg of Hancock 

          His daughters: Megan Wahlberg of Hancock 

                                     Lauren Wahlberg of Hancock

          His brothers & sister: John (Rebekah) Wahlberg of Iron River, MI 

                                                Christine (Karl) Gaffron of Eagle River, WI 

                                                Michael Wahlberg of Eagle River, WI 

          His biological father: Dennis Johnson Rockford, IL 

          His sister: Vicky (Erik) Johnson of Parrish, FL

          His Brother: Jeffrey (Julie) Johnson of Belvidere, IL

          His brother: Scott (Jill) Johnson of Lovespark, IL 

          His mother-in-law: Paulette Heikkinen of Hancock

          His brother-in-law: Scott Heikkinen of Hancock

          His brother-in-law: Steven (Jessica) Heikkinen of Newberry

          His sister-in-law: Diana Whiting of Chassell.

          His sister-in-law: Holly B of Hancock

          Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

              A zoom memorial service for Joseph will be held Saturday, April 8th at 2pm EST 

1pm CST

     To view Joseph’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

     The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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