Obituary
Joseph Ivaldo Rivera
Joseph Ivaldo Rivera, 86, passed away September 26, 2023, after a tragic fall. He was born in Maunabo, Puerto Rico September 11, 1937, to Sergio Rivera and Evodia Ortiz, but resided in La Crosse for many years.
Joe came to the United States with his father, stepmother, and their young family when he was 11. He lived in Gary, Indiana and Evanston, Illinois, before marrying his wife, Jane Larson in 1966. They had two daughters, Renee Katherine and Laura Susanne, who he loved fiercely.
Joe served in the U.S. Army and made some great friends from La Crosse. After he was discharged, he moved his family to La Crosse and bought a tavern, for which he became semi‑famous after streaking through it. Later, he started his own business, Century Painting, which he ran for many years.
Several years after his first wife died of cancer, Joe met Jane Gofus (Janie 2) and they were together for ten years before marrying July 3, 1999. With this union he gained two stepchildren, Alex and Lora Gofus who he treated like his own.
Joe and Jane went on many trips to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. One very memorable trip was when most of the family visited Puerto Rico for Berthaida’s 60th birthday. Joe enjoyed hunting with Tom and going on fishing trips with Jimmy. Everybody loved Joe and he was always the life of the party. He worked hard and played hard.
Joe is survived by his wife, brother Selin (Salime) Rivera, sister Berthaida Seijo, brother Nelson Rivera, daughter Laura (Mike) O’Neill, stepchildren Alex and Lora Gofus. Grandchildren Katherine and Leah O’Neill, Ana Blanchard, Amaiyah Jackson, Hazel and Ivy Gofus, and many other family and friends in the United States and Puerto Rico.
He was predeceased by his parents, stepmother, first wife Jane, sisters Bruni Rivera, Carmen (Ray) Newton, beloved daughter Renee and her husband Jon Blanchard.
Joe was dearly loved and will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace.
Joe’s celebration of life will be Sunday November 12, 2023 from 2 to 5 pm at the Freight-house Hiawatha Room, 107 Vine Street, La Crosse.
Joe was a great friend very great guy he will be missed very very much his daughters used to babysit for my two sons rest in peace Joe
Jane, So very sorry to heard of Joe’s passing . He was always a very nice man to me.
Way back in the day we would enjoy a sandwich and a brew at Buckeys or what’s the name of this place. Always After he had a days worth of painting or estimating under his belt.
May God bless Joe and his family in this sorrowfull time
My Buddy Joe !!! Great Friend !!! Great Guy !!! I was friends with Joe for many years. Always a big smile and a laugh. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Jane and Family.
Jane Please let me know when celebration of life will be.Thank You
We knew Joe for many years. He was so much fun. Our condolences to Jane and Family. Jerry & Sharon
Jane,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Condolences
So sorry for your loss