Joseph “Joe” Kitelinger, age 52, of Dousman, Wisconsin, formerly of Livingston, Wisconsin passed away after a valiant fight with cancer on January 6, 2026. 

In his final days, Joe gave his last and most meaningful gift to his girlfriend Lisa, his siblings, and his children—a true Kitelinger “slumber party” filled with stories, unforgettable memories, belly laughs, hugs, and tears. He truly loved his family.

Joe was born on May 6, 1973, the sixth of seven children to Edward “Ed” and Marcella “Sally” (Lindner) Kitelinger.

Joe graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1991. A hardworking young man, he worked on area farms around Livingston during his high school years, earning enough money to add air shocks to his red Nova—one of his proudest accomplishments at the time. After high school, Joe worked as an electrician for Skyline Homes in Lancaster. In 1997, he began working for the Village of Livingston as the Wastewater Superintendent, alongside his friend and brother-in-law, Dave Olson—who very likely was the one to greet Joe at Heaven’s gates with open arms. 

Joe was a proud volunteer firefighter for the Village of Livingston and was one of the original inspirations behind the Livingston Annual Super Raffle. Joe’s passions and loves included his two granddaughters, snowmobiling, in early years— dirt track racing and cutting trees with his dad, riding his Harley motorcycle, pontooning, and fishing with Lisa at their Green Lake cabin, the Green Bay Packers and Brewers, enjoying a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon, and—growing up—eating onions straight from his mom’s garden. 

In 2011, Joe moved to Waukesha, where he began working for the Village of Dousman- wearing many hats, always on call and eager to lend a hand to anyone in need. Over the past 14 years, he built tremendous and supportive friendships that eventually became family. In true Joe fashion, yet another village fell in love with him.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Ivy (Cody) Maier, and their children—“Papa Joe’s girls”—Wren Lee and Etta June Maier of Poynette; his faithful son, Kruz Kitelinger of Dousman; his soulmate and best friend, Lisa Fusco of Dousman, and her children Gabbi, Nick, and Rocco; the mother of his children, and lifelong friend, Kelsi (Dan) Mellum of Boscobel; his ex-wife, Kim Carlsen, and her children Taylor and Amanda. He is also survived by his beloved siblings: Dan (Cindy) Kitelinger of Dodgeville; Kathy (John) Digman of Platteville; Brenda Ray of Mineral Point; Randy (Jody) Kitelinger of Linden; Jason (Kim) Kitelinger of Mineral Point and Jim (Amy) Kitelinger of Greenville, South Carolina; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who all adored Uncle Joe. He is further survived by many cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as many lifelong friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Sally Kitelinger, and his brothers-in-law, Dave Olson and Dennis Ray.

Services will be held on Friday, January 16th at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) with a visitation from 1-4pm, followed by a funeral service from 4-5pm. A gathering/celebration of life will immediately follow at Dousman Lions Club (235 N. Main Street, Dousman, WI 53118) from 5-8pm.

A special thank you to ProHealth Care Oconomowoc, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, the Village of Dousman, Pastor Greg and his congregation, and the entire Dousman community. The continued prayers, grace, and love during this difficult time have not gone unnoticed. There are truly great people in this world—thank you.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Psalm 34:18