Joseph "Joe" Guldan

Joseph “Joe” Guldan, 71, of Ashwaubenon — sage, philosopher, jack of all trades, master of none, and the most incredible husband, father, Pa, and Bald Pa — passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and life lessons. 

Born on November 12, 1953, in Rhinelander, WI, to Malcolm and Mary Ellen (Houg) Guldan, Joe’s journey was as colorful as his commentary. He graduated from Ashwaubenon High School in 1972, and throughout different periods of his life, pursued higher education at NWTC in Supervisory Management and Lakeland College for Business. 

In 1971, he met the love of his life, Mary McNicoll, and the two were married on December 1, 1973, in Wausau, WI. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Liz and Anne, who inherited his quick wit and boundless curiosity. 

Joe could do anything — and if he didn’t know how, he’d give it a try anyway (often with highly entertaining results). Whether sweeping a barbershop floor, turning wrenches, teaching a baby how to install a toilet, or holding court at the kitchen table, Joe approached everything with humor, heart, and his own brand of wisdom. 

Throughout his career, Joe brought his know-how and hard work to TEC Systems in De Pere, ran his own Matco Tools route, worked alongside his brother at Green Bay Small Engine, and held supervisory roles at C.A. Lawton, Sasib, Port-a-Pier, Heiden, Dowco, and Carboline. But his greatest job — and favorite title — was being Pa. 

Joe is survived by his devoted first wife of 51 years, Mary; his daughters Liz (Rick) Lehman and Anne (Alex) Younger; and his grandchildren Zack (Justina) Guldan, Libby Guldan, Alexander (Tater), Ellie, and Joey Younger, Grace (JT Stengel) and Jackson Lehman. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Hazel, Reyna, ZJ Guldan, and Calliope Guldan-Searle. 

He is further survived by his sisters Eldri (Steve) Zahn and Tracy Guldan (William Vaughn); and many beloved in-laws: Barbara (Ken) DeJardin, Steve (Veronica) McNicoll, Mike McNicoll (Karen Myers), Jean (Kevin) Taylor, Bill McNicoll, Tim McNicoll (Doreen Philips), Carolyn McNicoll (William Curry), and Jim (Tammy) McNicoll; as well as countless nieces, nephews, and extended family members — all of whom carry a bit of his wisdom (or at least one of his unforgettable stories). 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Buzz, his niece Katie (McNicoll) Schmidt, and sister-in-law Melinda McNicoll.

In true Joe fashion, he requested no formal funeral service. Instead, we invite friends and family to gather and celebrate the extraordinary life of this one-of-a-kind man. 

Celebration of Life Sunday, June 22, 2025 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM Green Bay Distillery 835 Mike McCarthy Way, Ashwaubenon Come ready to share a story, raise a glass, and remember Joe the way he’d want — with laughter, love, and a few good (and possibly questionable) life lessons. 

HARK!