Joseph Wirag
April 17, 1966 - August 22, 2018
Obituary
STOUGHTON-Joseph Wirag unexpectedly passed away at the age of 52 on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on April 17, 1966, the son of Josef and Theresa Wirag. Joe attended Park High School in Racine, and further continued his education in his home town at Parkside College. He married his high school sweetheart Tammy Radtke on Aug. 12, 1989. Anyone that knew Joe would know him as a grocer, but he did so much more than just groceries. Joe started off as a bagger at the age of 15 at Sentry Foods and worked his way up to acquire the Sentry located off of Cottage Grove Road in Madison at the age of 30. He worked at his store with his loving family until it closed in 2014. Joe’s love for the grocery business and people did not stop there. He continued to work for the Sentry Foods/Ace Hardware store in Columbus and then continued on to Festival Foods located just a few blocks from the capitol in Madison and at Kwik Trip in Stoughton. It was apparent that Joe continued in this business for the people, as well as working hard for his family. His big heart spread far and wide to anyone that had the pleasure of having a conversation with him. Joe enjoyed spending as much time with his family as he could. His favorite activities were camping and fishing on the barge (or fishing anywhere to be honest), and probably his most favorite of all was supporting his kids during soccer or volleyball. Guaranteed, you could be sure to find (or hear) him in the stands cheering them on, doing a little coaching, and possibly even trying to help the refs out a little bit. Joe is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammy; son, Jacob; daughters, Katlynn, Maggie Jo and Hannah; brother, Karl (Jamie) Wirag and his children, Briana Jo and Brady; sisters, Kadi (Mike) Derose and Marilee Wirag; mother-in-law, Bev Radtke; brother-in-law, Bill (Maureen) Radtke; along with extended family and many beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Bill Radtke. A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Hwy 51 @ Jackson St., Stoughton, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy 51 @ Jackson St.
608-873-4590
Events
Celebration of Life
Wed Aug 29, 2018 @ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Stoughton • 1358 Hwy 51, P.O. Box 96, Stoughton, WI 53589
Photos
Memories
LS
Lauren Schneider
Other •
You touched so many lives with your generosity and kindness. The world is a better place because you were in it, Joe. You will be dearly missed!
TF
Tim and Brenda Egan family
Other •
We have many fond memories sharing the soccer sidelines, celebrating graduations, birthdays and Halloween with our families together. The Wring home has always been a loving and welcoming gathering place for their kids' friends and parents. Joe was always quick to laugh and catch up on our family events. We were and are fortunate that they readily accepted our son John as their 2nd son and amazingly still do regardless of whatever shenanigans Jake and John got in to. Our hearts are breaking for the Wirags but we know they are rich in friends and family. The world just lost a real good guy.
You have our deepest sympathy. The Egan family
SK
Sharon Kerkman
Other •
Having lived on Acewood Blvd. when we first moved to Madison over 35 years ago I was so happy our neighborhood had a wonderful Sentry store and thoroughly enjoyed watching the Wirag children grow up there...may of them working along side their father Joe and mother too! I thought it was devastating to lose the store but I am in total shock about Joe's passing! My condolences to the family....
SH
Sally Hughes
Other •
I'll always remember how cheerful and helpful he was to the customers at Sentry. All of us neighborhood residents miss the store and Joe. He helped keep "Acewood corners" a clean and safe area to shop or just walk around in.
ML
Mary Sue Langendorf
Other •
The Langendorf family of Racine is deeply saddened to read of Joe’s passing. We have many fond memories of the Wirag family when Joe and his siblings were growing up alongside our sons. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
WR
Wayne F Rabideau
Other •
I moved to Racine in 1977 with my young family. One of the first families we met was our neighbors the Wirag's. They took us in as family and together our children grew up. It has been many years since seeing Joe. One memory I have of Joe was when I got talked into coaching my sons in soccer. A game I knew little about. Joe was quick to say he would give me a hand, at least with his help the kids learned something about the game. I remember when Joe left Racine, shortly after marrying Tammy, I have to say I was impressed with his ambition and drive to own his own grocery store. Joe, his parents and siblings will always have a fond place in my heart. I am truly shocked to hear of his passing. My condolences to his wife Tammy and his children. My deepest sympathies to all of you.