Joseph “Joe” Wachlin was born on October 12, 1948, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Margaret McCann Wachlin and Delbert Wachlin. He attended St. Therese School and graduated from Xavier High School in 1967. That same year, he answered his country's call to service, joining the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1967 to 1970, including 13 months in Vietnam.Upon returning to Appleton, Joe attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh on the GI Bill and went to work for Kimberly-Clark. He served as president of an independent labor union and successfully argued his members' case before the National Labor Relations Board. It was in Appleton that he also began what would become his lifelong career as a beekeeper.In 1984, Joe moved to Baxley, Georgia, where he purchased and took over Plantation Bee Company. In 1993, he moved his bees and family to St. Simons Island, Georgia. Through his business, he shipped queen bees and colonies to beekeepers throughout the United States and around the world, sharing his knowledge and passion for beekeeping with others.Above all, Joe was devoted to his family. He was the beloved husband of Karen Kaphingst Wachlin for 57 years and a proud father to Matthew, Allison, and David. He was a loving grandfather to Madilyn Wachlin, Coleman, Cameron Claire, and Leo McDonald, and a brother to Christopher Wachlin. He would drop everything and do anything for his wife, kids, and beloved grandkids, something they'll always be grateful for.Joe was a lifelong learner, he pursued a wide range of interests, including woodworking, gardening, art, mechanics, languages, and chess. He enjoyed figuring out how things worked, learning something new, and sharing a good joke or funny story. He was a deeply good and decent man who cared about injustice and believed in treating people with kindness, dignity, and acceptance.In 2021, Joe received a lung transplant, beginning a new chapter in his life. His family is deeply grateful to his transplant team at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for their expertise, dedication, and excellent care. They are also grateful to Gabriel House of Care, which provided Joe and Karen with a home away from home, along with love and support, during the eight months of his transplant journey. He travelled on from this world on September 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and listening to Bob Dylan. Joe will be remembered for his curiosity, his convictions, his humor, his kindness, and, most of all, his deep love for his family. His life was one of service, hard work, learning, and caring for others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Per his wishes there will be no funeral but a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to Gabriel House of Care at https://www.gabrielhouseofcare.org/.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wachlin family.