With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our loving dad, Joseph Bernard Greatens, Jr. He died at home with his children at his side, and joined the love of his life Marlene A. Greatens on June 8, 2023.

Joseph, 90, of De Pere, the son of Joseph H. and Gertrude A. (Linssen) Greatens, was born October 7, 1932 in Green Bay, WI. He married Marlene King on November 30, 1956. They were married for 61 years before her passing on April 5, 2017. He is now at peace in heaven with Marlene.

Joseph is survived by his sister, Shirley Aerts and sister-in-law, Rena King, both of Green Bay, as well as many nieces, nephews and loved ones.

He will be deeply missed by his six children Julianne (Brien) Yost, Jody Laehn, Jeffrey Greatens, Jon (Tami) Greatens, Jay (Jessica) Greatens and Joseph Greatens; his eleven grandchildren Brett (Jenna) Yost, Jared (Shayna Zalec) Yost, Janna Yost, Taylor Laehn, Spencer (Monica Bianchini) Laehn, Connor Laehn, Jacob Greatens, Josh (Kyrsten Burroughs) Greatens, Gavin (Alyssa McNure) Greatens, Micahjay Greatens and Abigail Greatens; his six great-grandchildren Zachary and James Yost, Scarlett, Ronan, Hazel and River Greatens.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Jennifer, beloved grandson Brandon, and ten siblings: Aloysius Greatens, Margaret Vanden Heuvel, Florence Clark, Arnold Greatens, Dorothy Vanden Langenberg, Helen Ambrosius, Donald Greatens, Ralph Greatens, James Greatens, William Greatens.

Joseph served in the Army during the Korean War. Joseph was no stranger to honest hard work. He built a successful plastering contracting business with his family. For many years he enjoyed his garden. He passed on his love and knowledge of gardening to all of his children. He spent many hours in his workshop where he crafted numerous furniture pieces for his family that remain treasures today. His favorite pastime at any gathering was to play cards. There was never a Greatens and King get together without card playing being the central activity that pulled them together.

Joseph lived out his Christian faith in numerous ways. He was kind, generous, and patient. He was a member of Nativity Of Our Lord Catholic Church and later attended St. Joseph Parish in Oneida. His faith in the Lord and prayer were his constant source of encouragement and hope. He will be deeply missed but his impact will remain forever. His family will continue to gather together regularly to enjoy each other's company and his garden, and when a meal is shared, pray, as he so beautifully taught us.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

In lieu of flowers, please send your prayers in memory of Joseph.

Burial will be at the Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds after a private gathering.