Joseph M. Bastian, age 65, of Janesville, died on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center. He was born in Shullsburg on March 1, 1951, the son of Francis M. and Margaret (Burns) Bastian. He graduated from Shullsburg High School and served in the U.S. Army. Joe married Penny L. Nigh in Rotary Gardens on July 1, 1995. He retired in 2003 from General Motors after 31 ½ years, and had worked for Oak Ridge Golf Course in Milton. He was a member of the Orfordville American Legion Post 209, and was an avid golfer and Packer and Badger fan.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Penny Bastian; daughter, Tammy Bastian; son, Tony (Tonia) Bastian; 2 step sons, Martin Nelson and Daniel (Angie) Nelson; 5 grandchildren: Travis Downing, David Nelson, Tevan Bastian, Payton Bastian and Piper Bastian; 2 siblings, Janie O’Brien and John (Kathy) Bastian; 2 brothers-in-law, Tex (Brenda) Nigh and Hank (Cheryl) Nigh; 2 sisters-in-law, Betty Bastian and Montana (George) Kohl; his dog and loving companion, Daisy; and extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; brother, Jim Bastian; and brother-in-law, Larry O’Brien.
A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Naomi Garber officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A visitation was held on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schneider Funeral Home. Lasting Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 209, Orfordville. For online obituary and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.