A Decoy Corner Article
By Bruce Urben, WWA President
All photos courtesy Wisconsin Sporting Collectibles.
A Joe Anderlik loon decoy
Joseph E. “Paco” Anderlik was born in April, 1922 in Mexico City, Mexico. He migrated to the US with his family and had a home in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Joe’s early life included hunting, fishing trapping and falconry along the Illinois river. As most youth did during the depression, he hunted for food for the family. We know that he hunted crows along the Illinois River, often collecting a good bounty ($) that his family needed.
Joe enlisted in the Navy when World War II broke out. He served as a radioman gunner and flew out of the USS Franklin (Big Ben) in the Pacific theatre, earning several air medals for his heroic efforts. After the war, Joe earned a masters degree in Business Administration from Northwestern University and married his wife, Marcheta (Margie). Together they had seven children. Joe worked for Consolidated Papers for most of his professional career. Joe’s second home was at his cottage at Lac du Flambeau, in Northern Wisconsin. Much of his carving was done at Lac du Flambeau!
Joe Anderlik mergansers
Joe had no “formal” training in carving or painting; he was self taught, beginning to carve decoys in the early 1960’s and quickly becoming renowned for his skills in both areas. Joe carved waterfowl and fish decoys, but his favorite species was the common Loon! He was able to observe loons in their native habitat at Lac du Flambeau and capture their attitude and animated poses in his carvings. Joe signed all of his decoys by hand with “Joe Anderlik, Loc du Flambeau”.
Joe enjoyed life and spent it spreading good cheer to all he met. He inspired many young carvers and instructed them in the art of decoy carving. Joe was also an avid antique decoy collector and was a routine attendee at many decoy shows. His peers remember Joe “holding court” at the decoy shows, spinning tales late into the night!
A Joe Anderlik coot
Joe Anderlik passed away in August, 2011 at the age of 89. While Joe was not a native to Wisconsin, his love for nature brought him to Lac du Flambeau, which he called “home”.
Joe’s decoys are available on the secondary auction market and are prized by Wisconsin collectors. While available, many decoys are selling for hundreds of dollars, especially his beloved loon decoys! Thank you Joe for your service to our country and your exceptional carving and painting abilities!