Joseph A. Besaw, Sr. 'Wapah ̶ Mekon', age 61 of Keshena, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2019 in Shawano. He was born in Keshena on June 16, 1957, to the late Glenn and Eldora (Beauprey) Besaw. Joey was a 1976 graduate of Shawano High School. He was employed by Menominee Tribal Enterprises since the mid 70's, where he worked in the sales department for 23 years, part of which as the Sales Director. Joey was a member of the Board of Directors for MTE since 1997, and was the current chairman. He was a Menominee resident his entire life. He was well known as a champion Fancy Dancer and entertained crowds across the Midwest as a Pow Wow Emcee. Joey could make each person he visited with feel as though they were his favorite person. He enjoyed making everyone laugh and feel welcome, with story-telling and endless jokes.  He was warm hearted, giving, and loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was a mentor to many young people. Joey enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, going to flea markets, and especially spending time in his workshop. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Neopit.

Joey is survived by: his wife, Lisa; his children, Lori Beth Besaw, Joshua (Lindsay) Besaw, and Joseph (LeAsah) Besaw, Jr., all of Keshena; seven grandchildren, Jamison, Joshua, Derek, Cavan, Darnell, Olivia and Jaren; his siblings, Gary (Elizabeth) Besaw of Keshena, Kelly Besaw of Neopit, Carolyn Besaw of Keshena, Linea Arthur-Besaw of Keshena; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Eldora, as well as three siblings, Darnell Askenette, Leah Besaw and Glen Fowler.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2019 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Neopit with Rev. Joel Jores officiating. Visitation will be held at the Neopit Community Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday until the time of the service. A Parish Wake service will be held at the community center on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

Remember all the joy and laughter we shared.