Joseph Wenrich Sukowatey

PINE BLUFF - Joseph W. Sukowatey, age 100, of Pine Bluff passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Inglehaven Assisted Living in Mount Horeb after a blessed and long life. Joe was born on Dec. 24, 1923, in Pine Bluff the son of Matthias and Rose (Haag) Sukowatey. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Pine Bluff.

Joe worked on the family farm with his father, then took over the homestead and farmed it until he retired in 1986.

Joe met the love of his life, Eleanor (Joyce) Brings, of Cross Plains.  They were married on July 17, 1976, becoming a family of 10. Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Church all his life, serving on the parish council, on various social committees and as custodian for eight years.  He was the last living charter member of the Cross Plains, Knights of Columbus Council No. 3924, celebrating 60 years in 2015 and was a member of the Catholic Knights.

Joe was an avid reader. He especially enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, and farm journals, always trying to stay informed on current affairs. He enjoyed chatting with people, young and old, and could always find a topic of interest with anyone he spoke to.  Always looking to widen his horizon, Joe and Eleanor traveled to many states and to many European countries. They had many good times playing cards with family and friends.

After Eleanor passed away in 2009, Joe made it a habit to call each family member, on their birthdays to wish them a happy birthday. He took pride in not missing anyone’s birthday. He was so loved by our entire family.  He will be missed by the young and the old!

In his later years, he enjoyed the group activities at his independent living facility, like bingo, group exercises, bus trips were all activities he participated in regularly. He genuinely liked to brighten other people’s day with his smile and his cheerfulness. He loved to have visitors, usually bidding them farewell with “thanks for stopping by, you made my day!” Joe also had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and would say two rosaries each day for family and friends.

Joe is survived by his stepchildren, Sr. Judith Brings Sr., Ruth Brings, Mary (John) Dremsa, Janet (Lawerence) Kurt, Rosann (Mike) Schuchardt and Kevin Brings, daughters-in-law, Jacky Brings and Patty Brings; 10 grandchildren, Sheldon Kurt, Kimberly (Aaron) Matthews, Jason Dremsa, Scott (Diana) Dremsa, Brian (Sarah) Brings,  Randy (Shine) Brings, Gary Brings, Jamie (Kevin) Orloff, Jill Schuchardt and Julie (Keith) Parker; 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eleanor; sons, Robert Brings and Gordon Brings; brothers, Henry Sukowatey and Arthur Sukowatey; and sisters, Della Schroedl and Teresa Flaig.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY OF PINE BLUFF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3676 County Highway P, Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024, with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until the Mass begins. The family invites family and friends to join them for a luncheon following the Mass, at THE RED MOUSE, 3738 County Highway P, at the corner of Highway P and Mineral Point Road.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Inglewood and Inglehaven for all their wonderful care and support they gave Joe and his family over the years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077