Joseph M. Frank Jr., 95, New Glarus, died Friday, August 29, 2025, at the SSM Health Monroe Hospital.

Joe was born January 24, 1930, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Joseph M. and Genevieve E.  Frank. He had two siblings – Donald and Margaret.

Joe grew up in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, before joining the U.S. Army in 1951. After his honorable discharge, Joe went to college at Pennsylvania State University starting the fall of 1954 where he would receive a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry. After graduating in June of 1958, he accepted a job with the Wisconsin Conservation Department (later the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). He began his career in West Bend, Wisconsin. He worked as an area forester, as supervisor of the Black River State Forest, and as a forestry specialist in Madison until 1972. He then transferred to Horicon and became the DNR's area supervisor for five counties with its headquarters near the Horicon Marsh. He was named Director of Wisconsin's Bureau of Forestry as well as Chief State Forester in 1986, a position he held until he retired in December 1989. Upon retirement, he received the Governors Special Award for dedicated service to the State of Wisconsin.

Joe and his wife, Annette "Toni" Frank, were married for 64 years. They met at a wedding where he was the best man and Toni was the maid of honor. They were married February 9, 1961, in West Bend, Wisconsin. The couple lived throughout Wisconsin, with stops in Waupaca, Lancaster, Stitzer, Black River Falls, Waunakee, and Horicon before settling in New Glarus for the last 39 years.

Joe is survived by his wife, Toni; his four children, James (Patricia), Peter (Sandra), Theodore (Shirley), and Timothy (Sherri); and 12 grandchildren.

Joe was an avid hunter, fisherman, and snow shoveler. He also enjoyed traveling with Toni and spending time with their sons' families and grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and his brother.

A celebration of life Joseph's life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the New Glarus Village Hall Community Room, 319 Second St., New Glarus, WI.  Military honors will be accorded.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.