Joseph John Anselmo, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. He was born to Natalie Rurka and Joseph Anselmo on October 4, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. Joe’s birth father died when he was just four years old, his mother later married Ted Loster, who became a loving father figure and raised him and his five siblings.
Joe married the love of his life, Sandy Spanjer, on April 12, 1969. They shared many adventures together, traveling all over the world and flying in hot air balloon rallies. They raised two daughters, Lesley and Kelsey, in Chicago and moved full time to their summer home in Twin Lakes, WI in 1993, across the street from his family cottage. He grew up loving to water ski on Lake Elizabeth and passed this love onto his children and grandchildren. Joe’s passion for architecture began in high school and was a fulfilling life-long career, creating many beautiful residential and commercial designs that left a lasting impact.
Joseph Anselmo is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; children, Lesley (Steve) Gunderson and Kelsey (Jason) Sachs; grandchildren, Alexis, Kayla, Brooke, and Kegan; siblings, Nancy Anselmo, Beth Loster, Ted Loster, and sister-in-law Gail Loster. He is preceded in death by his parents, Natalie and Ted Loster, his birth father, Joseph Anselmo; siblings, Natalie Smith and Robert Loster.
He will be remembered for his warmth, work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with his family and friends.
A private memorial service will be held for immediate family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/wi. The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes, WI is honored to serve the Anselmo family.
