Joseph “Joe” L. Thome, 62 of Malone, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, following an accident. Joe was born on November 25, 1961, in Fond du Lac, WI, son of the late Lyle and Evelyn Thome. He was a graduate of Goodrich High School.
On December 4, 1982, he married Diane Schneider at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Dotyville, WI. They were high school sweethearts and blessed with 41 years of marriage.
Joe and Diane took over his father’s farm after they were married and farmed his entire life. He would often say, “I never worked a day in my life because I’m doing what I love”. They expanded the farm in 2002 and took pride that the next generations will carry on his passion for farming.
Joe is remembered as a humble, devoted Catholic. He lived and modeled unconditional deep faith; who served God and His Church.
Joe took deep pride in his community and was always the first to offer help to people or projects. His decisive and respectful leadership and care of others made him the person wanted in a room; whether a family gathering, farm meeting or community session. He currently served as the Chairman for the Town of Taycheedah, first being elected in April 2017. He was also a member of Holy Family Catholic Parish of Fond du Lac, St. Peter Lions, Chair of the FSA County Committee, member of the Fond du Lac County Land Conservation Committee, and many other local organizations & committees.
In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and attending many of his grandkids’ events. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, and golfing regularly with his group of friends.
His family gave him great joy. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his children, Lindsay (Justin) Fowler, Jessica (Jason) Korb, Tyler (Hope) Thome, and Liz (Brett) Liesener; his grandchildren, Chris and Cameron Last; Lexie, Brianna and Kaden Korb; Natalie, Bentley, Sophie and Wesley Thome; and Brooks Liesener. He is also survived by his siblings, Julie (Dan) Rodriguez, Nancy (Jerry) Waldschmidt, Paul Thome, Sandra (Barry) Geliske, Jack (Lila) Thome, Sue Hackel, John (Julie) Thome, and Dan (Julie Ann) Thome; step-siblings, Kathy (Jay) Stepro, Carol (Don) Lokken, Patti VanSlyke, Tom (Mary Ellen) Roblee, Brian (Blanca) Roblee, Jean (Brian) Baldwin, and Sharon (Ben) Henke; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Wendy (Bob) Plawski, Cathy (Butch) Drew, Cathy Schneider, Joan (Paul) Mittelsteadt, Chuck (Julie) Schneider, Beth Schneider, Rose (Tim) Ahern, Bob (Brooke) Schneider, and Mark (Maureen) Kraus. He is further survived by many nieces & nephews, and other relatives & friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Evelyn Thome; stepmother, Barbara (Roblee) Thome; mother and father-in-law, Anthony and Marlene “Sue” Schneider; brothers-in-law, Raymond Schneider and William “Bill” Schneider; sister-in-law, Debra Kraus; and step brothers-in-law, Michael Roblee and David Roblee.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again on Thursday from 10:30 – 11:45 AM at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, plants & gifts, a memorial will be established in Joe’s name.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Mt. Calvary Ambulance and Fire Department, City of Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue, Theda Star, and the medical staff in the ER and ICU at Theda Care in Neenah.
True to his spirit, his organs and tissues were donated for the benefit of many other lives.
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com