MADISON - Joseph A. Kocvara, age 75, of Madison, passed away July 19, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on March 11, 1949, in Madison, Wis., to Francis and Geraldine (Smith) Kocvara.

Joe worked at the telephone company (Wisconsin Bell, Ameritech, AT&T) for 40+ years. He always enjoyed getting together with former coworkers and reminiscing about work.

Fastpitch softball played a big part of his life starting, at age 14, when he was asked to fill in on his dad’s team when they were short of players. He continued playing for many years and became a well-known pitcher. Joe’s memory of his softball games was remarkable. He could talk for hours about games played 20 or 30 years ago, still remembering every detail, down to the number of batters he struck out. During that time, he made many lasting friendships.

Joe married Pam, in November of 1997. Together they enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas. They also visited casinos throughout Wisconsin on their travels.

Most important to Joe was his family. As his kids grew up, he enjoyed watching their sports and other activities. Joe looked forward to Christmas and birthdays when the family would gather to celebrate. Even more than being a father, Joe loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather. When his grandkids visited, he always had something special for them. Most recently, he looked forward to the days he spent with Jovani, his great-grandson, picking him up from school and playing together.

Joe is survived by his wife of 26 years, Pamela Kocvara; children, Joa, Michael, and Andrew Kocvara; stepdaughter, Alicia (Jess) Steindorf; grandchildren, Shannon Morris, Mitchell and Evie Steindorf; and great-grandson, Jovani Morris. He is further survived by sister, Gail (Tom) Klein; mother of his children, Ruth Kovara; Pam's siblings, Don (Linda) Lybeck, Steve (Terri) Lybeck and Marsha (David) Cornelius; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Francis J. and Geraldine E. Kocvara; and brothers, Paul and John Kocvara.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Joseph Kocvara

March 11, 1949 - July 19, 2024

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