Joel Cartier

CARTIER, JOEL PATRICK
Seymour

Joel Patrick Cartier, 58, of Seymour passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday afternoon, April 21, 2007. It brings to a close his brief but fierce battle against cancer. He was born August 24, 1948 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the son of Frances (Holzer) Cartier and the late Warren Cartier.

On June 27, 1975 he married the love of his life, Lynn Larsen, in Oshkosh. Joel served as a proud member of the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972 in Southeast Asia. He was a member of the Seymour American Legion Post 106. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1975 and began his teaching career at Rock Ledge Elementary School in Seymour. Joel coached basketball and volleyball. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Joel loved the changing seasons of Wisconsin. In springtime, he played the first round of Frisbee golf, worked side-by-side with Lynn to plant the garden and anxiously awaited the return of the geese.

On any given day of the summer, you could find him busy in the garage woodworking and listening to the Milwaukee Brewers on the radio. But he was never too busy to shoot hoops in the driveway, plan the next canoeing trip or recite "Little Orphan Annie" around the backyard campfire.

Fall brought the thrill of a new round of volleyball players for him to coach, and a new classroom of eager fifth grade students. On the weekends, he headed to the woods with a gun in one hand and a camera in the other - and, much to Lynn's delight, usually came back only with great pictures.

Winter meant basketball - coaching, playing and March Madness. Between games, the outdoors beckoned him with birdfeeders to fill, snow forts to be built and cross country ski trails to break.

In every season, Joel's life-long love of learning inspired him to discover something new and exciting in each activity. All of his passions and the talents he shared so generously were surpassed only by the example of love he lived and gave to his family.

Survivors include his wife, Lynn; daughters, Donna (Lonnie) Sorrell, Coon Rapids, MN; Kirsten Cartier, Chicago, IL; Megan Cartier, Appleton; Marcie Cartier (Kimani) Jefferson, Seymour; three (and a half) grandchildren: Lonee Sorrell, Helena, Pace and baby Jefferson; Mother, Frances Cartier, Wauwatosa; Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law, Dorothy and Bob Fellion, Niagara; brothers and sisters: Dorinda (Roger) Cartier, Larson; Holly Cartier, Wauwatosa; Kevin (Cherie) Cartier, Marshalltown, IA; Lisa (Jack) Albert, Muskego; Parry (Kathleen) Cartier, Wauwatosa; Julie (Myron) Cartier, Glenview, IL; Quentin (Maria) Cartier, Brookfield; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Andy Hartz.

Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Friday from 4-8 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am until the service at 11:00 am with Father Robert Kabat officiating. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.boettcherfuneralhomes.com

In the spirit of Joel's love of the outdoors and life-long learning, a memorial fund has been established to complete the building of the Maple Syrup Cabin at Fallen Timbers Environmental Center.