Joseph Huseth

Chaplain (Col) Joseph Huseth, age 88, passed away at Oakwood Village in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 17. He grew up in Lake Mills, IA and after graduating from high school he enlisted in the US Army and was part of the 2nd Armored Division in Europe during the later part of WWII. He graduated from St. Olaf College in the spring of 1950 and married Elaine Carson in September. Two weeks later, he was again called to military service as a staff sergeant in the Korean Conflict where he was wounded twice and received 2 Purple Hearts plus the Silver Star for gallantry in action. His experience in Korea led him into the Lutheran ministry and he attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. His first call as a pastor was to Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto, SD in 1954. This was followed by calls to congregations in Littleton, CO, and Covina, CA. Seeing a need for Lutheran chaplains in the military, he once again volunteered for active duty and was sent to a third war zone in Viet Nam in 1966. As a military chaplain, he had tours of duty in Missouri, Germany, New York, Arizona, and Korea before retiring in 1983 after 22 years of service. After spending much of their retirement in Sierra Vista, AZ where Joe and Elaine enjoyed traveling, hiking and gardening they moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 2007 to be closer to family. "Pastor Joe" is survived by his wife Elaine and children Dan, Patty, and Steve (Cindy), 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., later this summer. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregiving staff of Oakwood Village and Agrace Hospice. Memorials should be made out to St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN or Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN. They can be sent to Elaine Huseth, 6205 Mineral Point Rd, Apt 505, Madison, WI 53705-4579.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
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