Service Details
VISITATION
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2019
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
MEMORIAL SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019
VISITATION: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 A.M.
MOUNT PLEASANT LUTHERAN CHURCH (1700 S. Green Bay Rd)
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lutheran World Relief or the Shalom Center in Kenosha.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
KENOSHA – Rev. Justin “Joe” L. Silvius, 86, passed away at Brookside Care Center on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
He was born in Mitchellville, IA on June 1, 1932, the son of the late Theodore and Helen (nee: Hainline) Silvius.
Joe graduated from Carthage College when it was located in Carthage, IL. He also graduated from the Northwestern Lutheran Seminary in Minneapolis. However, before his ordination in 1959, Joe fulfilled his civic duty and served his nation with the U.S. Army from 1957-59. He served in military intelligence in Berlin.
On June 23, 1961, Joe married Maxine Siverson in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He served his first call at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Postville, IA. He also served at St. James Lutheran in Johnston, IA, Hope Lutheran in Cedar Rapids, Bethany Lutheran in Ishpeming, MI, and Gethsemane Lutheran in Brookfield, WI. Joe retired from St. Mary’s Lutheran Church in Kenosha. During the last half of his ministry he created “piano ministry” playing various styles of pop music with a religious text. Joe used this medium in sermons and also at church celebrations
After his retirement Joe and Maxine became active members of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church. They traveled overseas to Europe and China and enjoyed many Road Scholar programs in the US. For many years Joe was a Friendly Visitor with KAFASI. He enjoyed swimming at the Y and biking on trails. His good friend Tom Van Dahm and Joe spent many Fridays at the veterans’ coffee at Festival Foods.
In addition to his loving wife, Maxine of Kenosha, he is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Paula Silvius of Pella, WI, Roger Silvius of Kenosha, and Daniel Silvius of Wind Lake, WI; his four grandchildren; his three great grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Ullestad; his brother-in-law, Gerald (Marlys) Siverson; as well as nieces and nephews. Joe was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Norman Ullestad.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, May 28th for a visitation from 5-7 p.m. A service celebrating and honoring his life will take place at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S. Green Bay Road) on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Beth Ann Stone officiating. There will also be a visitation in the church from 10-11 a.m. A private interment will take place at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lutheran World Relief or the Shalom Center in Kenosha.
Judy and Jerry Smith says
We are so sad Maxine. And were shocked. Seemed to happen so fast. He always made us feel good. He brought joy when we talked with him.
Love,
J and J
Ann Stokman says
Sorry to hear of the loss
Carol Hogue says
So sad to hear of your loss.
Peace.
Sherry carrion says
Thank you Justin for all the laughs and great hugs. I will miss you.
Ona May Brunsvold says
Dear Maxine. I am so very sad for you and your loss of Sweet Spunky Joe. God bless you with the great memories close to your heart to keep you warmed by his love.
Carol Janmke says
I remember you and Joe when you drove some distance to rehearse and sing Oct. 2017 with Holy Cross in concert in Menomonee Falls. My sincere sympathy and may our Lord bring you peace and comfort.
Carol and Fred Jannke
Thomas Skrenes says
God bless you. Warm regards
Roger & Virginia Nelson says
A sincere thank you to Maxine and her family for sharing “Pastor Joe” with us. He was not only our Pastor, spiritual adviser and kindly confidant but also a very dear, good, close and loyal friend who filled a special place in our hearts and life.
Craig A. Moffatt says
Pastor Silvius:
You will always be remembered in my heart! You nurtured my faith growing up whenever I visited my Pontti family in the U.P. You truly helped me be the Christian man I came to be! With the angels now but never forgotten! Thank you for your laughter, love, and shining light!
Barb and Don Mourand says
A rare combination of mission, music and wit. He leaves a big foot print in our U.P. Blueberry Patch.
My our loving Father comfort you
Mel Ruohonen Englewood, FloridaMel Ruohonen says
Thank you for your dedication to the Lord. Your influence will surface from all directions as the Calling was made. Rest In Peace, we will reflect on your much deserved Legacy. Thanks for a Consistency in Direction of Life.
DiAnn Niemela Chapin and Niemela Families says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for God’s comfort and peace to the Silvius family.
Kate and Bob Noreen says
Dear Pastor Joe was a highlight in our lives at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church in Kenosha. His energetic, friendly, and positive spirit made everyone happy. We loved his gift of spontaneous and professional piano music. Forever he will remain in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy we extend to Maxine and family. Love, Kate and Bob Noreen
Lynette Ashman says
Praying that you find solace in our Heavenly Father’ s loving arms until you meet again in heaven with Justin. We have so much to look forward to! Your sadness and grieving will pass with time but your loving memories of Justin will remain. Love and prayers.