Joe R. Sambrook
December 25, 1980 - March 16, 2018
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE-Joseph R. Sambrook, age 37, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 16, 2018, due to heart failure. Joe was born December 25, 1980 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He was the son of Mary Sambrook, father to Cecilie Pleet and Ryan Sambrook Pleet, and brother to Jaime Berg.
Joe grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and later attended St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. Attending St. John’s and later becoming the Senior Class President was one of his many great accomplishments and one he was so proud of. He graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor’s of Science in International Studies and Italian. He studied abroad in Italy, learning their culture, language and even living with Monks for several months. At St. John’s he played Varsity Football and Rugby and traveled as far as Wales to play Rugby. Through St. John’s he traveled to Mexico, Washington DC and met Former President George Bush Sr. Joe’s passion was his family. He lived and loved fiercely and intensely. He loved weekly dinners with his family, writing, music, movies, pool, cards, games and dogs. To know Joe was to know love and laughter. The ripple of his life has and will continue to positively impact so many people.
Joe is survived by his mother, Mary Sambrook (Step-Father Randy Braaksma) of Madison, WI; his daughter, Cecilie Pleet (Wisconsin Rapids); son, Ryan Sambrook Pleet (Wisconsin Rapids); sister, Jaime (Brooks) Berg; nieces, Arianna and Nevaeh Berg and his nephew, Brigham Berg (Sun Prairie); and step-brother, Dusten Braaksma.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jim and Joyce Phillips; uncle, Steve Phillips; and the mother of his children, Jenna Pleet.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming…”WOW! What a ride!” -Hunter S. Thompson
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
608-831-6761
Events
Visitation
Tue Mar 20, 2018 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Visitation
Wed Mar 21, 2018 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Mar 21, 2018 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI
Photos
No photos of Joe have been shared yet.
Memories
JG
Julie Greycarek
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, Jaime and family during this very difficult time.
~Julie and Mark Greycarek
AJ
Aunt Joanie
Other •
To those who loved Joe, I did not know him well other than the father to my niece’s children. I met him when he came to Jenna’s memorial. He spoke so eloquently about her and their relationship. He moved us all as he spoke bravely in front of many he didn’t know either, with love and compassion. I liked Joe instantly. I tell you this that you may know that Joe’s impact on those that met him was good. He will be sadly missed and I am so very sorry for your loss.
DP
Dede Pleet
Other •
I as Aunt Joanie, did not know Joe very well, I also met him at my niece Jenna's, funeral. In conversation, we talked about that he needed to be there for Cecilie and Ryan and Joe said he wasn't going anywhere. I'm so sorry that he did. The short time we spoke, was enjoyable, as I spoke to his sister as well. My condolences to you all.
JN
Jay & Barb Nordstrum
Other •
My wife and I both met Joe several years ago when he was about sixteen. Though we never saw him again until our niece's funeral, in 2017, we were deeply impressed with his sincerity and eloquence as he spoke of his passion for his children, life, and his friendship and love for our niece. We had instant respect for this young man who moved our hearts. It is with deepest respect and anguish that we offer our sincere sympathy to his family. Our hearts go out to all of you and especially our dear niece Cecile and nephew Ryan. God bless you all. Uncle Jay & Aunt Barb.
SR
Susan Lynn Raymond
Other •
There is a hole in the universe now that wasn't there before. Our love to Joe's amazingl mother, Mary and, her husband Randy and his wonderful sister Jaine and her family - we hold you all in our hearts and love you so much. Sue (Phillips) Raymond and Tom Rose.
PF
Paula fota
Other •
I knew how when he was a baby use to babysit for him and his sister.but didn't know much more about him just that he was a good person and loved to watch them he was fun to be around.god bless u all he will be missed..