Buckley resident Joseph Kolisch died May 17, 2013, in Puyallup.

He was born April 15, 1944, to Sara and Julius Kolisch in Tacoma. He graduated from White River High School where he was a three sport athlete. After graduation he joined the Army, returning home to Buckley in 1966. He spent his early working years at Weyerhaeuser in Enumclaw, then worked in Tacoma at a metal fabrication plant. His lifelong career in firefighting started as a volunteer firefighter and chief in Buckley and in 1979 he became Enumclaw fire chief. He remained in that capacity until his retirement in February 2007. He was a 46-year member of the Buckley Eagles and for many years volunteered as athletic trainer for White River High School football and basketball games.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherri; son Mike Kolisch; daughter Karen Rodriguez and husband Michael; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson. All are of Buckley.

Services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, at the Enumclaw Expo Center fieldhouse. A visitation is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Weeks Funeral Home in Buckley.

Remembrances may be made to the Buckley Fire Department, P.O. Box 1015, Buckley, 98321; the Enumclaw Fire Department, 1330 Wells St., Enumclaw, 98022; or the American Diabetes Association, 1730 Minor Ave. No. 920, Seattle, 98101.

All may sign the online guestbook at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.