Josef Hose

MADISON-On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, Josef Hose, husband, father and friend to many, passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 65. Joe will be forever remembered by his devoted wife and best friend, Sally, and by his loving children, Ben, David.   Born in Haifa, Israel, to one of the country’s founding families, Josef attended Acre Naval Academy as well as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Like his family before him, Josef proudly served his country in numerous military engagements, most notably in the 1967 Six-Day War, which he considered one of his greatest life achievements. As both a capable navigator and insatiable traveler, he continued to explore the world as a merchant Navy officer before immigrating to his future home of Wisconsin in 1974. Josef will be remembered as a lover of life, a devoted friend of many, a source of wisdom and strength in difficult times, and someone who could always make you laugh.  He was gregarious, giving, joyful and compassionate, as well as deeply introspective and philosophical.  His many family and friends remember him for his endless jokes and storytelling, travel and world experiences, vast wisdom and his incredible acts of kindness throughout his life.  He was a voracious reader, a history buff and loved people from all parts of the world and walks of life.  He will be remembered and missed by many, as much as he had loved and touched the lives of many.  Josef’s life was a series of great trials and triumphs. The most defining element of his character was his unwavering perseverance. In the words of his greatest hero, Sir Winston Churchill: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”  A memorial gathering will be held in memory of Josef at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018.  A private burial ceremony will follow in the family plot at Sunset Gardens Cemetery, with Rabbi Bonni Margulis at 12 noon.   Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761