Joseph Glen Crisman

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Joe Crisman the loving husband and father of two passed away peacefully at the age of 73 in Winter Garden, Florida. Joe was born on April 9, 1951 in Deshler, Nebraska to Marie and Harold Crisman. 

Joe met his high school sweetheart Karen Woodworth Crisman at South Beloit High School. They married on June 9, 1973 the day they were to graduate college. They raised two daughters, Patricia “Patty” and Linda in Northern Wisconsin. Joe was a man of remarkable dedication and passion. His family fondly remembers him as a kind-hearted man who worked hard, loved music, embodied selflessness, having strength beyond measure and having a profound love for his family and friends. Known affectionately as Mr. C to many, Joe devoted more than 26 years to teaching history and coaching volleyball. Joe also loved enjoying the Wisconsin outdoors with his family and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. 

Joe and Karen retired to Central Florida where he was a cast member at their favorite vacation destination, Walt Disney World from 2006-2020. A dream job of his following retirement.

In 1977 Joe was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This disease did alter his life in many ways but Joe and Karen lived a life full of enriching experiences that have resulted in some important lessons learned and beautiful memories made. Those lessons being centered around the notion: to never stop doing the things they loved, they believed they could do anything, they would just do it differently. His hard-fought battle with MS in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile, the brightest smile and his family by his side every step of the way.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Karen Crisman, his daughters Patricia (Stafford) Cotton and Linda (Nick Hetzel) Crisman. His sister Lorraine (Kenneth) Holmes. And a host of other loving relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Marie and Harold Crisman, In-laws: Jeanette and Woody Woodworth, and brother in-law Keith Woodworth.