Joel Steven Wincentsen

Joel Steven Wincentsen, age 47, of Wittenberg passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2023. His life ended much too soon, and countless family and friends are mourning his sudden and tragic passing. Joel was a quiet soul, a man of few words who valued kindness, respect, and honesty. He had a smile that spoke volumes and a smirk that would keep you guessing. The loves of his life are his children, grandchildren, and family. Joel is survived by his three sons, Austin (Maile Mahannah) Wincentsen, Abe Wincentsen, Landon (Aleah Petrosa) Prey; granddaughters, Auri and Juniper and wife, April Wincentsen. Additionally, he leaves behind his loving parents, Greg and Linda Wincentsen; siblings, Chad (Fay Genskow) Wincentsen, Matt (Jessica) Wincentsen and Jennifer (Arthur) Werner; paternal grandmother, Violet Wincentsen; nieces and nephews, Kaeden, Trevor, Amelia, Samantha (Mike), Kyle (Ashley Lorbiecki), Robert (Emily Meshak), Jacob, Maycee, Cameron, Waylon and Emma and a great-niece, Lucy.
Through marriage, Joel was loved by many in-laws. Mother and father in-law, Steve and Julie Prey; sisters in-law, Sarah (Mike) Thiel, Kristen (Nick) Desrochers, Laura (Dru) Heier and Heather (Ken) Price; nieces and nephews, Anthony, Jackson, Olivia, Carson, Dane, Easton, Blake, Theo, Max, Owen, Mallory and Calvin. Other important people in Joel's life include Michele Hart, mother of his son and special friend, Gloria Lorge and her son Noah and countless other relatives and friends. Joel will be greatly missed by Charlie and Jax, his furry companions.
Joel graduated from Wittenberg Birnamwood High School where he was a star athlete and still holds the record in the 400 meter dash. Later in life, his love of sports was passed down to his sons and numerous youth of which he coached in basketball, baseball, and football in the Tigerton and surrounding communities. Joel was more than a coach; he was a role model and mentor and his players were like family to him.
Joel most recently worked at Homme Home as the maintenance supervisor where he loved spending time with the residents, his "Homme Honey's". Formerly, he was self-employed where he designed and installed beautiful hardwood flooring. He was a true craftsman with an artistic gift to turn every project into something unique and beautiful; he took great pride in adding character to functional spaces.
Joel's sense of adventure was magnetic. Whether competing in grueling Strongman competitions and Spartan Races with his "Wolf Pack", backpacking and camping in the Porcupine Mountains or simply enjoying a quiet reprieve on the pontoon with his family and friends; he was creating memories chalked full of laughter, wisecracks, and happiness.
Joel was many things to many people: coach, co-worker, friend, son, husband, and perhaps most importantly, father. He was a man of many interests, and he certainly shared his passions with his friends and family. Whether it be a hunting buddy, gardening partner, connoisseur of specialty coffee or craft beers, Advocare coach, teammate, and so much more, Joel was devoted.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Russell Wincentsen and Clifton and Dorothy Voltz; uncle, Timm Voltz; aunt, Marcia Hoffman; and grandparents-in-law, Roger Prey and Edwin Trzecinski.
Please join family and friends on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, to honor Joel's life. A Visitation will be held from 12Noon until 130pm at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg with a celebration of life to follow at Stars & Strikes Bar, Tigerton from 2pm-6pm. Please honor us in sharing fond memories over a beer, just the way Joel would have wanted.
"This life. This night. Your story. Your pain. Your hope. It matters. All of it matters." -Jamie Tworkowski
If you or a loved one are in a dark place, there is help and your life is worth living. Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your organization of choice that supports mental health and/or suicide awareness.