Joseph D. "Joe" Zapf

Joseph D. "Joe" Zapf

September 13, 1984 - August 17, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Joseph D. Zapf, age 40, passed away unexpectedly from a motorcycle accident on August 17, 2025, in Lodi, Wisconsin. Born on September 13, 1984, in Muncie, Indiana, Joe's zest for life and his love of people and community touched everyone he met.


Joe's early years were spent in the close-knit communities of Eaton and Manchester, Indiana, Joe carried his passion for learning and his friendly demeanor to Concordia University in Texas and later to Indiana University where he completed his undergraduate studies. His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; Joe earned his MBA from UW-Madison while making a difference working at the State Capitol in Madison.


Throughout his career with the State of Wisconsin, Joe was known for his passionate work ethic and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His colleagues remember him as a man who brought not only professionalism, but also warmth and genuine care to his work environment.


Joe's interests were as varied as they were rich. He was an avid golfer, finding peace and camaraderie on the greens. His love for the open road was evident to anyone who knew him, as he cherished the freedom and thrill of riding his motorcycle. Above all, Joe's greatest joy was the time he spent with his nephews and friends. He was the fun-loving uncle who could always be counted on to bring laughter and excitement to any family gathering.


Joe is survived by his parents, Danny Zapf and Molly (nee Reeves) Keith; his brothers, Lucas (Jenna) Zapf and Nathan (Marianna) Zapf; his cherished nephews, Henry, Cash, Jonah, Oliver, and Ben; and paternal grandmother, Donna Zapf. His extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of friends will deeply miss his infectious smile and generous spirit. Joe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wynn and Shirley Reeves; paternal grandparent, James Zapf; and his nephew, Taylor.


Joe will be remembered not just for the path he traveled, but for the countless hearts he touched along the way. Joe's memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his spirit will live on in the stories and memories shared by those who loved him.


A celebration of life is being organized with more details to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420




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Todd Washam
Other •
The world needs more Joey Zapfs in it. He brought his love of life everywhere, and it was infectious. He loved to live and was not shy about sharing his zest for life with anyone he met. Joey was also kind and loyal, a friend to so many, and he meant so much to those of us who got to work with him and see him every day. Godspeed Joey.
JS
Jess Stibich
Other •
There are so many memories it’s hard to pick any singular one that stands out. Most recently was a trip to the lake where the girls got Joe on the tube. They’re old pros at tubing and poor Joe was flopping around like a fish and eating water trying to find all of the hand holds to stay on. He did it, but once done started laughing saying it was a one and done for him!
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Alan Zimmerman
Other •
I got to know Joey through my son Nathan who with Joey and Hentgen and a host of others became known as the “ Clark Street Hoodlems” while living at a small house south of campus in beautiful Bloomington, Indiana. For some reason the “ hoodlems” enjoyed having the old man around and I got to know Joey very well. I recall one night that my son was busy and Joey took me to an old famous steakhouse in Bloomington and insisted on paying for my meal. He treated me with respect and made me feel like one of the boys even though I was 30 years his senior. His love and zest for life was unmatched and I truly loved spending time with him either on Clark Street with the hoodlooms or after graduation in North Manchester where we would knock down a few beers at his favorite bar…. The Main View Inn. If he came home from Wisconsin he would always make a point of visiting with me and it meant the world to me. I recall one night when Donald Trump was first running for President and according to all of the talking heads on TV it came down to the vote in Wisconsin. I was very nervous and I called up my old friend in Madtown and he asssured me that he had worked tirelessly for Trump in Wisconsin and the state would go his way. I confronted Joey that Trump was down 10 points at that time and Joey said….” Don’t worry Dad…. We got this”. With that assurance I went to bed and when I woke up Trump had been elected and took Wisconsin just as Joey promised. You will be dearly missed old friend as the Clark Street Hoodlums just lost their favorite son
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Blair Nelson Sanford
Other •
On behalf of the Wisconsin School of Business, where Joe completed his MBA, we'd like to express our sympathy to family members and friends. He was an impactful part of our learning community and his energy and spirit will be remembered by his classmates, staff and faculty. Sincerely, Blair Sanford, Associate Dean, MBA & Master's Programs, Wisconsin School of Business, UW-Madison
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Rex Reimer
Other •
There is only one Joe Zapf in the world and hopefully he is as entertaining up above as he was on this earth. He will truly be missed by many as his passion for life and living out his life to the fullest was recognizable by his close friends and colleagues. Joey’s infectious personality could not be matched by just anybody and his way with words and one line zingers were the best, especially when he would send those in the early morning hours because we all know where Joey liked to spend his Friday and Saturday evenings! Waking up to voicemails, text messages, pictures or videos of Joe singing kareoke were always entertaining and would make you actually laugh out loud. I could keep going and going… there are so many great stories to tell and share about my friend Joe, but until we meet again, I am forever grateful to have you be a part of my life. -Rex Reimer
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Paul & Olivia Huser
Other •
My husband and I have known Joey for many years and have some very fond memories of him. We had the pleasure of spending time with him just recently, on Father’s Day, as he and several of his family members gathered to watch Josh do what he loves best: make music. We almost didn’t recognize Joey because it had been a while since we had last seen him. But his infectious smile and silly nature gave him away immediately! The best memory we have of Joey is going to visit him in DC. My uncle is a retired USAF Lt. Colonel who lives in the Baltimore harbor. It was in the months leading up to the 2008 election and the buzz around the Capitol was electric. Joey was like a kid in a candy store! My uncle, who was in his late 60s (and a soft-spoken, Leave It To Beaver dad kind of guy with red hair), drove us into the city and took us sightseeing all day. We met up with Joey at his house on “the Hill” and hung out with him and his roommates before jumping into a big ol’ truck and jamming out to Snoop Dogg on our way to watch a presidential debate in a Capitol bar. On that drive we laughed until we cried because there’s nothing better than watching a 60-something man rock out to Snoop for the first time with a bunch of “whipper-snappers!” The debate was like nothing we had ever experienced, too! It was like watching fans of two sports teams duke it out. Republicans on one side of the bar and Democrats on the other, both cheering for their candidate and shouting at each other. Joey was eating it up! And the best part—and what really highlights the type of person Joey was—was all the love, respect and admiration he showed my uncle all night long, calling him “The Colonel” and thanking him for his service. Joey was truly one of the best human beings on this earth and we will miss him tremendously. Until we meet again, Joseph! Much love to his family and friends, Paul and Olivia Huser (Little Dave’s brother and sister in law)

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