Joseph "Joe" E. Billmann

Joseph Emil Billmann, age 84 years, of West Bend passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend.

Joe was born on February 17, 1941, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Henry and Mabel Billmann. He was united in marriage with Mary Jo Peters in 1966.

Joe grew up in Sheboygan Falls and graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School with the Class of 1959. He went on to Sheboygan County Teachers College and later UW-Oshkosh, obtaining an Education degree in 1963. He later obtained a Masters degree from UW-Milwaukee with dozens of post-Masters credits in Education and Counseling. He was a career teacher in West Bend, teaching various subjects in sixth grade for 36 years.

Mary was his true companion. They spent six decades together on their journeys through teaching, parenthood, grandparenthood, traveling, celebrations, and challenges. Their traits and personalities so perfectly complemented each other.

Nearly a lifelong trombone player, Joe cherished time with his brother Jim making music and reveling in post-concert gemütlichkeit. Over the decades, they played countless gigs together with the River City Irregulars, River City Blaskapelle and the Billmann Band. He had a love for Big Band instrumentals, arrangements of jazz standards with thick low brass, jazz guitar, and classic jazz trios. Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Les Brown, and Herb Ellis were among his favorites.

Joe’s world view was undoubtedly shaped by travel to Egypt, Turkey, China, Italy, Ireland, Germany and many parts of the United States. He had a genuine interest in people and would often ask about their jobs, families and hobbies—usually preceded by a pointed one-liner to break the ice. He went to as many of his kids’ and grandkids’ games, events, recitals, concerts, conferences, and graduations as he could possibly attend. Family celebrations, holiday get-togethers and church functions at Peace UCC were among his highest priorities. Joe relished his role as grandpa, dispensing wisdom and having fun throughout his grandkids’ early years until well into their 20s.

In retirement, Joe volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, Badger and Silverbrook Middle Schools, Roots & Branches, Peace Church, and various music groups.

Most of all, Joe enjoyed making people laugh and feel welcome. His humor and dry wit—a potent combination best described as an amalgam of W.C. Fields, Henny Youngman, Johnny Carson and Yosemite Sam—touched everyone he knew. He lived his life with authenticity and integrity.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary; brother, James (Sue); brothers- and sisters-in-law, David and Deborah Peters and Richard Peters; sons, Andrew (Kathy Kettner) and Peter; grandchildren, Rachael (Tristan Swihart), Alex, Kyra (Jessy Wiskofske), and Laura (Nick Hammen); six nieces and nephews, countless friends and former students. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel; father-in-law, Earl Peters; mother-in-law, Jean Peters; sister-in-law, Sharon Peters; many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

VISITATION: Joe’s family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ, 343 1st St, Kewaskum, WI 53040.

SERVICE: A celebration of Joe’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Peace United Church of Christ, also on Saturday, November 22.

Memorials in Joe’s name can be directed to Peace UCC.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the teams at Froedtert Hospital Neurosciences ICU and Kathy Hospice for their remarkable care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Joe’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.