Joseph A Tenuta

MONONA-Joe Tenuta (also known as “Papa Joe”), of Monona, was born to Joseph and Mary Tenuta on Dec. 1, 1948.  Joe was a member of the U.S. Army, served in the Vietnam War, and was a proud Veteran.  Papa Joe lived a fulfilling life enjoying camping, being around family, his dogs, and sitting on the porch listening to tunes with his brother, Steve.  He retired from American Family Insurance after many years of employment. Papa Joe passed away on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, at the age of 68 at Avalon Memory Care surrounded by family.  Our loving dad left us in his sleep after a heroic fight with Alzheimer’s.  Papa Joe is survived by his son, Matthew Tenuta; daughter, Cheryl (Zach) Zimmer; granddaughter, Zoey; brother, Steve; sisters, Sally (Frederick) Underhill and Marti Sachtjen; a niece and many nephews; and best friends and ex-wife, Ginny Niederkorn Wolter and Rich Wolter.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for helping us get through this difficult time.  Thank you as well to Oak Ridge Living, Karmenta Center and Avalon Memory Care for caring for Papa Joe.  A funeral service will be held at ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd., Monona, at 12 noon, on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.  Papa Joe’s family invites you to come share memories followed by lunch. Memorials may be directed to Agrace HospiceCare or to the Monona Dog Park.