Joseph J. Golbach

Joseph J. Golbach, of Lakewood, passed away after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer, on July 7, 2024 at his home in Lakewood. He was 72 years old. He was born on March 6, 1952 in Antigo, a son of Edward and Margaret (Emmer) Golbach. He married Mary Ellen Walker on August 17, 1974 at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo.
Joseph was a graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1970, after graduation, he attended University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. He worked for Lockwood Graders as a partsman and at Veteran's Memorial Park as a Park Manager prior to moving to Lakewood in 1985. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources, Lakewood, as Hatchery Manager for 26 years. After retirement, he worked as a Property Manager for Camp Nan A Bo Sho YMCA camp on Waubee Lake.
He was a Department of Natural Resources safety instructor, a volunteer for Lakewood Fire Department, and spent many volunteer hours grooming the hills at Paul Bunyan Ski Hill. Joseph was a devoted family man, enjoying many fun times at his family cabin, hunting and cooking for the family Thanksgiving meal. He was the family historian, with an expert recollection of important dates and times. Joseph was fond of traveling, camping and spending time with the grandkids. He enjoyed golfing and watching NASCAR, driving a NASCAR on two different tracks. He had a talent for fixing motors and loved tinkering in his garage.
In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Jenny Lynn (Steve Norvell) Golbach of Mechanicsburg, IL and Lindsay (Rob) Dailey of Wabeno; three grandchildren, Liana, Vera and Liam Dailey; four sisters, Nancy (John) Crha of Oshkosh, Linda (Tom) Golbach-Smith of Neenah, Susan (Jerry) Schremp of Waunakee, Debra (Mark) Kautza of Antigo; two brothers, William (Joyce) Golbach of Antigo and David (Beverly) Golbach of Antigo; three sister-in-laws, Joanne Andersson of Santa Barbara, CA, Carol Moore of Antigo and Barbara Golbach of Plymouth; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ora (Jerome) Galarowicz of Antigo, Elaine (Ron) Fischer of Antigo, Jim (Jean) Walker of Antigo and John (Lisa Welnetz) Walker of Antigo; further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bernard Golbach, Donald Golbach and Dennis Golbach; father and mother-in-law, Allen and Bernice Walker; and two brothers-in-law, Flemming Andersson and Chuck Moore.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peterson and his great staff at Volm Cancer Center for their expert care and compassion. They made his day easier with their bright smiles. A special thank you to Krissie and Cassie of Moments Hospice for their kindness and being there for Joe and the family. We thank Father Praveen for his spiritual guidance and all our friends and family who supported us during this time.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday July 12, at 12 p.m. at the St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church in Lakewood. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Private entombment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerston, MD 21741, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the charity of your choice.