June 19, 2023 at 12:23 p.m.
Joel Halminiak
Joel Halminiak
Joel fought with courage and grace, very rarely complaining and never once asking "Why me?" Throughout all of his treatments and setbacks, he continued to show care and concern for his family and friends, wanting to focus more on what was going on with them rather than on how he was doing. He was a model patient, at the cancer center and at home, always trying to make things as easy on his caregivers as possible.
Joel was born on December 3, 1970, in Rhinelander, to James and Mary (Brunette) Halminiak. He attended South Park School for kindergarten and RCC (Rhinelander Catholic Central School) for first through eighth grades. He then attended Rhinelander High School where he was a member of the track team and golf team. He enjoyed driving his brother and sister to school in the old 1957 Willys Jeep and honking the horn to embarrass Jess!
In his youth, Joel liked skateboarding and having adventures with friends, exploring old buildings, building tree forts with the neighborhood kids, and occasionally lighting off a very loud firework!
After high school, Joel attended Nicolet College for two years, followed by three years at UW Eau Claire where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. His first job after college was at the USDA Forest Service Forestry Sciences Lab in Rhinelander.
After a short stint there (due to the furlough of '96), he went to work at the Rhinelander Paper Mill for six years. He then was hired by the City of Rhinelander to work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant where he worked for just over 20 years, not stopping until the cancer treatments left him too weak to put in a full day's work.
Joel was so proud of the work he did helping to keep the City's drinking water safe and wastewater effluent clean.
Joel married Brenda Szitta shortly after they both graduated from college in 1995, and they made so many memories together. They traveled to Australia and New Zealand in 2005 and went back to New Zealand in 2007. After his cancer diagnosis, they traveled as much as possible, visiting South Dakota, New Mexico, Arizona (twice), Tennessee and Colorado. They even made the most of "The Very Bad Year" (2020 - cancer diagnosis right before covid lockdowns) by taking short trips and spending a long weekend in Marquette for their 25th wedding anniversary.
Joel had a life-long passion for trains. He collected model trains over the years (always HO scale, nothing else!) and was a member of the Rhinelander Model Railroad Association, but his true passion was for the real thing. He volunteered for many years at the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth, Minn., working on the passenger trains. He loved being on the train, and Brenda made sure to include train rides when they traveled if there was one nearby.
Joel also had a life-long love for birds, starting with parakeets at his Grandma Jane's house, then a large parrot (for a short time!) at his parents' house, and then having cockatiels and parakeets at his home with Brenda. He had a soft spot for most animals, including rescuing a skunk that had a yogurt cup stuck on his head!
Joel is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, Brenda; his mother, Mary Halminiak; his brother, Jay Halminiak; his sister, Jessica Denis, her husband Steve, and their sons William and Aiden (who will carry on Joel's love of fireworks!); father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Linda Szitta, and sister-in-law Christy Szitta. He is also survived by so many others who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his father James (Jim) Halminiak, grandparents Helen "Grandma Jane" and Joseph "Grandpa Joe" Halminiak, grandparents Alveda "Grandma Pete" Brunette and Wayne Brunette, and many other beloved relatives.
The family wishes to thank every single person who works at the James Beck Cancer Center in Rhinelander. You are truly angels on earth, always showing care and compassion for Joel and Brenda throughout their journey. The family also wishes to thank Compassus Hospice for guiding them through Joel's last six weeks of life.
We can all learn from Joel, especially from how he lived his last few years. Be kind to others, even if you are having a rough day. Take care of each other. And don't make a list of things you'll do "someday," because one day, there will be no "someday." Do it now. Travel. Call that friend you haven't talked to in a while. Make amends with your family. Live life and be joyful. And light some fireworks every now and then for Joel!
Visitation for Joel will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in Joel's name and any gifts may be directed to his family.
You may leave your private condolences for Joel's family at www.
carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Halminiak family.
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