Joseph Prescott

1956 - 2024

Joe Prescott, of Cross Plains WI, died on November 6, 2024. Joe was in Wisconsin Dells scoping out the best place to fish that day when he died of a massive heart attack.

Joe was born in Philadelphia PA and raised in the New Jersey suburbs. He was a fisherman since his early teens when he'd ride his bike with his friend Mike Jones many miles away to fish and cook their catch over a campfire. He moved to the Madison WI area to attend college and left just a few credits short of a degree in Zoology. He drove for Badger Cab and Union Cab and spent time as a fishing guide in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

He met the love of his life, Susan Farber, and they eventually settled in an older farmhouse in Cross Plains on Hwy J. When he lost Susie (age 47) to bone cancer in 2008, he retreated into a bachelor's life of books and fishing. He enjoyed tending the extensive gardens that he and Susie had planned and planted and caring for his home and his cat, Zaboo. Over the past few years, he developed an interest in disc golf and played often with friends. Joe had a talent for being fully present despite our modern age and for appreciating the little things - a stunning sunset over a neighboring farm or a crisp Spotted Cow shared over the campfire. Equally present in his friendships, he had a gift for noticing the strengths and interests of others and often used those observations to share a carefully selected book, disc, or fishing lure with a friend.

Joe is survived by his sister Jan Weber (Bob) of Stockton NJ, Rachel Prescott of Brookline, MA, nieces Elizabeth Allsop (Carl) of Morriston FL and Caroline Kinn (Stephen) of Enid OK, and the Farber family (Waunakee WI). He leaves behind a wide circle of friends and neighbors who mourn his passing.

A Celebration of Life was held for him in June 2025 at his home in Cross Plains. Arrangements were handled by Kratz Funeral Home in Portage WI. His ashes will be mingled with Susie's ashes and interred together at the historic Barber Burying Grounds in Stockton, NJ where both of Joe's parents were laid to rest and just a short walk from his sister's farm.