Joseph J. Calvey

Joseph James Calvey Sr., “Pops,” age 78, suddenly passed away at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, WI on Thursday, April 20, 2023 after suffering a heart attack. As the son of the late Bernard and Ruth (Abler) Calvey, Joe was born in Sheboygan, WI, on December 18, 1944.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Springs High School in Fond du Lac in 1963, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Peggy (Capelle) on September 5, 1964 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fond du Lac.

Joe worked hard all his life. His career started as a machinist apprentice with Giddings & Lewis before he joined the Soo Line and Wisconsin Central Railroads as a machinist and shop manager. He also worked with Wisconsin Southern Railroad in Janesville, WI, where he retired in 2005 before he and Peg relocated to Appleton for their retirement.

Joe had an incredible work ethic, but always put his Catholic faith and family first. His favorite pastime was playing with and teaching his grandchildren fun and creative activities and how to fix just about anything. Everywhere he went, he made it a goal to make people laugh and put a smile on their faces. When he and Peg weren’t spending their days on country drives visiting with friends and family, they were enjoying their gardens and watching birds together. Joe was a lifelong artist and carpenter who enjoyed making gifts for everyone—leaving behind a well-rounded legacy rich with love of God, family and friends. In September 2022, Joe and Peg celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Joe is survived by his wife, Peg; his four children, Joe (Delia) Calvey II of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kelley (Doug) Duehring of Appleton, Wisconsin, Kacey (Kristi) Calvey of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Jamie (Bill) Sheridan of Appleton, Wisconsin; his 15 grandchildren, Jack, Joe, Kate, Maggie, Katie, Nathan, Anna, Joey, Aman, Obsa, Josie, Megan, Elizabeth, Natalie, and Finnley; his nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Dan (Linda) Calvey; his sisters, Patricia (Stan) Bergelin; Colleen Calvey; Mary (Charlie) Mathers, and Kate Calvey; his sisters-in-law Eileen Calvey, Jan Calvey, and Mary D’Angelo; his brothers-in-law, John Nosch, Ty (Cynthia) Capelle, Joe (Nancy) Capelle; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.   

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ruth Calvey; his brothers, Tom Calvey and Kelly Calvey; his sister, Karen Nosch; his father and mother-in-law, Earl and Ruth Capelle; his sister-in-law, Carol Terrell; and his brother-in-law, David Capelle.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton, WI 54915, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at a later date at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, in Appleton, WI.  In lieu of flowers, to honor Joe, please consider making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital using the links below.

The Calvey family would like to express their gratitude to the Grand Chute First Responders for their care and compassion. 

“Bye – love ya!” - Pops

Donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation: https://t2t.org/donate/

Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html