Joseph F. Lord I

Joseph Francis Lord I, Richland Center, Wisconsin

May 5, 1947 – May 2, 2026

With deep love and grateful hearts, we remember the life of Joseph Francis Lord I, who passed away on May 2, 2026, just days before his 79th birthday.

He was born on May 5, 1947, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Carl and Marie (Burke) Lord. Joseph lived a life marked by dedication, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. He was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he studied electrical engineering.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he repaired aircraft. Following his military service, he built a long and respected career as an electrical engineer at Allen-Bradley.

Joseph was affectionate, playful, caring, and hardworking—a gentle, deeply loving man and a steady, dependable presence in the lives of those who knew him. He took great pride in building his home on family land, creating a place filled with warmth and care. He found joy in gardening, photography, feeding bluebirds and hummingbirds, setting off fireworks, and traveling long distances to support his children and grandchildren at their many events.

An avid deer hunter, he also enjoyed decorating his home for every holiday, bringing festive spirit and cherished traditions to his family. He grew black popcorn, affectionately known as “Lord’s Popcorn,” and loved giving tractor rides to his grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Janice Lea (Sheehan) Lord.

He is further survived by his children: Kelly (John) Dries of Belgium, Wisconsin; Kristie (Jerrold) Lunde of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; and Joseph (Susan) Lord II of Fox Lake, Wisconsin.

He is also survived by his stepdaughters: Lea Ann (Jim) Perry of Merritt Island, Florida; and Jacqueline (Herby) Bowman of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He is the proud grandfather of Mariah Lord, Maria Dries, Nadia Dries, Mylana Lunde, Zoe Lord, Charles Lunde, Alexander Lord, Tyler Perry, Megan Perry, Christian Bowman, and Jacob Bowman, and great-grandfather to Herby Bowman.

Joseph is survived by his brothers: Larry (Valerie) Lord, Tom (Debbie) Lord, and Chuck (Lenice) Lord; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Lord; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Justin Lord; his siblings: Jim, John, Phil, and Mary Margaret Lord; his sisters-in-law: Lucy Lord, Jean Lord, and Kathy Lord; and his former wife and mother of his children, Jane M. Lord.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a brief pause at 1:00 p.m. for words of remembrance, at Lakeview Park, 810 North St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916. Food and refreshments will be served as we gather to share memories and celebrate Joe’s life. Parking for the shelter is closest on West Burnett Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Meadows of Fall River, Wisconsin.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Meadows of Fall River for their extraordinary care and compassion, and for making his final months comfortable and peaceful.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepselllfh.com.