Joseph K. Waddell Jr.
June 23, 1922 - August 24, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-Joseph K. Waddell Jr., age 93, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on June 23, 1922, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Joseph K. and Annie (Dinwiddie) Waddell. While serving in the U.S Air Force, Joe met Roslyn L. Hogenson, at the USO in Memphis. Roslyn was serving in the U.S. Navy. It was love at first sight. They married on Aug. 10, 1944 in Atlanta, Ga. After the war, Joe made the U.S. Air Force his career for the next 24 years. Following his military career, Joe worked for the State of Wisconsin for 20 years. He was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church and a member of the Masonic Lodges Doric 356 and Collins-Spring Valley 192, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Zor Shrine since 1958. As the family genealogist, he and Roslyn travelled extensively searching for ancestors here in the United States and in Norway, England, and Scotland. An eternal optimist, he made friends wherever he went. Always looking forward, even after breaking his hip in 2014 and having several subsequent hospital stays, he was determined to regain his strength and move home to his condo. He was planning a winter trip to Florida the weekend before having an unplanned stroke. He loved to drive, but loved flying more. He earned his pilot's license while still in high school. He now has a new set of wings and can fly again. Joe is survived by his daughter, Joy (Glenn) Shong of Oconomowoc; granddaughter, Leah (Fahad) Raja of Delray Beach, Fla. and their children, Anya, Nadia, Azaan, Nyla and Zayn; grandsons, Joseph K. (Emily) Waddell IV of Gulf Port, Miss., and their daughter, Roselyn; and James Waddell of Kansas City; and special friend, Evelyn Uphoff. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Roslyn; son, Joseph K. Waddell III; and sisters, June West, Margaret Jane Mahan, and Jean Ann Harwood. Funeral services will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Road AB, McFarland, at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, with the Rev. Chris Lee-Thompson presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, Agrace HospiceCare or Meriter Foundation. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Sep 4, 2015 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Sep 5, 2015 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Hope Lutheran Church (McFarland) • 3702 County Road Ab, McFarland, WI 53558
Photos
Memories
KW
Kevin Wilson
Other •
Joy and Family: We were deeply saddened to learn of Lt Colonel Joe's death. He was the rock of the WWII 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association for many years after he incorporated the group in 1994. He sustained and led the association for many years and reunions. He was a tireless worker in preserving the 381st BG history and was greatly respected by our group. We received the news during our current annual reunion and held a moment of silence during our meeting. We will remember Joe as
a dear friend and leader. He was a great friend to many and our group will honor his life and contributions as we move forward.
Kevin E Wilson, PhD
Secretary-Treasurer/past President/Group Historian
381st Bomb Group Memorial Association
.
AD
Ann Devenish
Other •
Joy and family: Your parents and my parents were very special friends for many years. For over 30 years, Friday evenings were defined as Joe & Rose and Bob & Alpha, and the fish fry at Herriman's. Perhaps even now they are together gathered around a table, teasing the waitress, and having a great time.
Wishing you love and fond memories,
Ann Devenish
KW
Kevin Wilson
Other •
Joe in the pilot's left seat of Texas Raiders B-17, Nashville 2010
DH
Doc Hecker
Other •
Farewell to a fellow soldier, patriot and friend. RB "Doc" Hecker, Major, MC, USA (Ret) and fellow B-17 driver. We will meet again.
RH
Robert Hecker
Other •
Joe kept them flying! I am honored to have known him.
JT
Jim Tennet
Other •
RIP Joe. A gentleman in every sense of the word and a personal friend for many years. You will be sadly missed by all of us at the museum over here in Ridgewell.
Jim Tennet
Curator and Chairman
Ridgewell Airfield Commemorative Association.