Abler, Joseph H. Ph. D. It is with a heavy heart the family of Joseph Abler, age 68, announces his passing on December 14, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 7, 1941 in St. Peter, Wisconsin. He graduated from St. Mary's Springs Academy. He went on to college to pursue engineering. Upon graduation from Marquette University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Joe was awarded a Ford Foundation Scholarship to do graduate work in Instrumentation and Electrical Engineering at Case Western Reserve. He returned to Marquette to complete his Ph.D. "Dr. Joe" was a faculty member at Marquette University before owning Abler Advanced Engineering, an engineering design and consulting firm, which he was the president of for 40 years. Most recently, Joe worked as an engineer at Harken, whose focus on innovation was a perfect fit for Joe, who is best described as an inventor. Throughout his career, Joe received 9 patents and published numerous articles and received many honors. Joe enjoyed sailing the family's boat on Lake Michigan and piloting his Cessna 310. A First Pilot and Boating Safety Instructor with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Joe gave his time freely to anyone in need. His volunteer commitments helped advance scientific research at several medical facilities. Always the teacher, he continued to mentor engineering students. He enjoyed sharing his hobbies and passions with others and leaves a legacy of ingenuity, invention, and possibilities. A devoted husband, father, brother and friend, words cannot express the gratitude we feel in sharing such a remarkable journey with so honorable a man. Joe's vibrant spirit, kind heart, and endlessly optimistic nature will be greatly missed. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Irene Abler; a sister, Catherine Hussar; and son, Daniel Joseph Abler. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Susan (Emery); four daughters Suzanne and Deb (John) of Milwaukee, Tricia (Robert) Staub of Washington, and Gwen, at home; sisters Esther (Bob) Seelig, Gerry (Bill) Spitznagle and Mary (Henry) Navarrete; brothers Jim and Jack (Donna Richmond); six grandchildren, ten nieces and nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a dedicated education fund for his daughter still at home. All services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1750 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield. The visitation is Friday, from 4:30 - 7:00 PM. The memorial service is Saturday at 1:30 PM, with a brief visitation period starting at 1:00 PM. "A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor."