Joseph R. DeGrave

Joseph R. DeGrave, age 91, passed away August 23rd, 2023, at Ascension All Saints. He was born on November 5, 1931, in Racine, WI, beloved son of the late Wilbur and Laura (Nee: George) DeGrave.

Joe attended Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Junior High and Washington Park High School “Class of 1950”. On June 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Joan B. Free. He was employed by Wisconsin Electric for 38 years, retiring as a Maintenance Machinist from the Oak Creek Power Plant in 1992. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed grouse, goose and deer hunting with his brothers John and Raymond. He was a long-time member of Racine-Belle City Lodge No. 18, F&AM and the Valley of Milwaukee Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

Joe will be dearly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Gavin and Mara DeGrave; his cherished grandson Riley; nieces, nephews and other relatives; cherished loved ones Dr. Susan and Joe Jester and daughters Katie and Melissa; the pre-COVID Hardee’s morning coffee clutch, Dominic Versace, Dave Hetchler, John Madsen and other dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Joan; brothers Bill, John and Raymond DeGrave; in-laws, Ruth DeGrave and Mary DeGrave.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Tichigan Volunteer Fire Company Station 1, 8205 Big Bend Rd, Waterford on September 8th, 4 pm - 8 pm.