In recent weeks, possibly days, I caught myself saying aloud, "We are not guaranteed tomorrow" and the listener would solemnly shake their head in sighful agreement. And then my tomorrow came. On October 27, 2025, Monday morning, immediately following a run, the unexpected tragically happened. George Joseph Kilsdonk (born June 27, 1961) collapsed without resuscitation. I imagine he collapsed his weary soul into the strong capable arms of Jesus, His Savior.

To me he went by the name Joseph which carried through amidst his professional associates. To family and Mosinee company, he was George or Georgie by some. I preferred Joseph because of a favorite Bible character that went by that name; he had the enormous calling on his life to lead and to teach, to train and to love the Son of God-aka Jesus— whom his betrothed Mary brought into this world. Not much ink is penned about him but enough to know he was a humble man, who listened to the voice of God and obeyed without hesitation because of his faith in the Almighty God who had a plan.

There has always been a plan and my Joseph participated in God's plan to introduce the God he loved to the people he loved. Such evidence in the workplace: dependability, creative problem solver, blended with a large dose of compassion for those God brought his way. He held many titles, and a variety of careers that began with audiology, eventually combining his backgrounds of education with medical as the Executive Director of WiNC GME Consortium; helping to train the next generation of physicians. He did his job with integrity, giving dignity to those he worked with along with those he represented and it was always, always bathed in early morning prayer.

Joseph's administrative gifts were not limited to the work field but to the mission field also. He is a long-standing member at Good News Church where he served our Lord by serving His people as Church Chairman and as an elder, mentor, teacher, and friend. Joseph took his calling and charge to shepherd God's Church seriously and prayerfully with the strong desire and commitment to expand God's Kingdom and mature His church to the likeness of Christ.

In both realms of leadership, he led with humbleness of heart and reliance on the Lord—just like Mary's Joseph.

My favorite part of Joseph was as my loving devoted husband and best friend; hand-picked for me and me for him by the Great Matchmaker. He was a godly hero to our children, son Jordan Louis Kilsdonk (also with the Lord); daughter Emma Pearl (Kilsdonk) Best; son-in-law Andrew Best, and granddaughter Lucy Pearl Best. Besides Jordan, we are all left with an infinite hole in our hearts that will be amply supplied by the grace of our Infinite Savior who is Love. Until we meet together in Heavens Home, we will deeply and profoundly miss my Joseph.

A Celebration of Joseph's life will take place at Good News Baptist Church, 145919 Lowland Lane (formerly Marsh Drive), Mosinee WI 54455 on February 7, 2026. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00, Memorial Service from 11:00 to 12:30 with a meal to follow at the church. A Memorial gift can be made in lieu of flowers to Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center (N8890 Forest Lane Westboro, WI 54490), simply denote 'Kilsdonk memorial' on the memo line.

John J Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Words of remembrance may be shared at www.honorone.com