Joseph Chelesvig

Joseph A. Chelesvig, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on March 20, 2016 at home in Boulder, Colorado after a long struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) which is an extremely rare neurodegenerative brain disease that has no known cause, treatment or cure. It affects nerve cells that control walking, balance, mobility, vision, speech, and swallowing. Joe was born on the farm on June 15, 1940 near Eagle Grove, Iowa to the late Roy and Martha Chelesvig. His early education through eighth grade was in a one room school house, Troy #4.
In 1958, he married Ellen J. Smith, and they moved from Iowa to Wyoming where he wrestled for the university. To remain active in the sport of wrestling, Joe became a wrestling official, officiating high school, collegiate as well as the NCAA national championships.
He earned his Bachelor of Science and his Masters of Science Degrees from the University of Wyoming which led to a career in food science/technology and the formation of his own company. Travel was not only part of his career; it was an adventure for him.
As member of the Sons of Norway, Joe was a proud Norwegian and was proud to be an American, he loved this country.
Joe leaves behind to cherish memory a host of family that included his devoted wife, Ellen; loving daughters JoEllen (Shawn) Pinon of Littleton, Colorado, Joy (Wade) Prather of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Jill Chelesvig of Boulder, Colorado; precious grandchildren, Katie Jo (Wes) Adams, Tyler (Sherryce) Pinon, Hunter Pinon, Emily Prather and Garrett Prather; great granddaughter Joslynne Pinon; siblings, Norma Gangestad, Tom Chelesvig, Ruth Helmick, Jim Chelesvig, and Julie Chelesvig; as well as twenty-four wonderful nieces and nephews as well as countless friends. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers Maurice and Charles Chelesvig.
A memorial service in planned for Friday, April 8, at 11:00am at Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Atonement Lutheran Church of Boulder, Colorado, TruCare Hospice of Boulder, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.gmmortuary.com to share personal condolences.