Obituary for Joseph Patrick Deisler Joseph Patrick Deisler passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Stuart, Florida. He was born March 28, 1929 to Edward G. Deisler and Bernadette (LaVeck) Deisler in Saginaw, Michigan. Joe attended St. Mary’s High School in Saginaw where he was an All Star Football Running Back (nicknamed, “Rabbit”) and Speed Skater graduating in 1948.
He attended Central Michigan University hoping to become a Football Coach, but enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict specializing in Airborne Radio. After an honorable discharge in 1951, Joe joined his father and brothers, Ed and Tony, in the family business, Deisler Funeral Home. As his passion was always sports, he left the family business and built his first Bowling Center (State Lanes) in 1959.
Joe went on to build a 2nd Center (Stardust Lanes) and purchased 2 more, Bay Lanes, in Bay City and Boyne City Lanes, in Boyne City. Joe was a member of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of Michigan where he was elected “Proprietor of the Year” in 1975 and was inducted into the Saginaw Bowling Hall of Fame in 1987. He held the recognition of having the #1 Summer Bowling program in the United States.
When Joe sold his first three Bowling Centers in 1984, all three ranked in the top five percent in lineage in the nation. He pioneered the modern game of bowling in Saginaw where he was the first to install synthetic lanes and computerized automatic scoring. Joe’s biggest gift to bowling was his enthusiasm for the game.
His techniques and promotions were so successful that many have been copied at other centers around the country. He established a youth scholarship fund and was proud to have been able to aid in the further education of many young bowlers. An avid golfer, Joe belonged to the Bridgeport Country Club, Saginaw Country Club, and Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City, FL where he retired in 1985.
His love for football never ceased and he continued to follow his favorite teams. He was a volunteer for “Meals On Wheels” for several years and always made sure he was scheduled to deliver meals on Christmas Day. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Kathryn Dambrun; brothers: Edward Deisler and Anton (Tony) Deisler; a son, James Deisler; and grandson, Kevin Oppermann.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Gwendolyn Northrup Deisler. He is also survived by his sister, Bernadette Reid (Roy); daughter, Suzanne Hammis (David); son, Joseph C. Deisler (Karen); daughter, Deborah Oppermann (Scott); son, Scott Deisler; and step-son, Jeffrey Wenzel (Linda); nine grandchildren: Justin and Eric Hammis, Ryan, Cory and Jessica Deisler, Michael Bostwick and Taylor Oppermann, and James and Kari Wenzel; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. A proud father and grandfather, Joe’s love for his family always came first.
He was a great mentor to so many, and his wisdom will live on. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. SERVICE: A funeral service in Palm City, Florida will be announced at a later date.
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