MADISON - Joseph Donald "Joe" Engelhart, age 82, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on April 9, 1943, in Madison, Wis., the son of Joseph G. Engelhart and Margaret (Krogman) Engelhart.

Joe graduated from Madison Central High School in 1961. He attended UW-Platteville and Winona State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. He was united in marriage to Luanne Knebel on July 21, 1973, in Belmont, Wis.

Joe was a teacher in the Belmont School District and then worked as an underwriting manager for American Family Insurance for 35 years, retiring in 2008.

Joe was an athlete, coach and sports fan. As an athlete, he was a member of both the football and baseball teams at UW-Platteville and the Madison Mustangs football team. He coached his children in their various sports teams and was a dedicated, enthusiastic fan at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Joe was also a loyal fan of his favorite Wisconsin sports teams. He was a devoted father, loving husband, and loyal friend.

Joe deeply valued the many friendships he formed throughout his life and cherished the connections that meant so much to him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Luanne; children, Michael "Mike" (Anna) Engelhart, Bill (Maria Vanderminden) Engelhart and Erin (Garry Mason) Engelhart; grandchildren, Erika, Jenna, Drew Engelhart, and Castor and Caelum Vanderminden; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Engelhart; and sister, Dorothy Richards.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Red Cross.

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

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Joseph "Joe" Donald Engelhart

April 09, 1943 - January 10, 2026

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