JOSEPH LEE HARTLAGE (1962-2021)

Joseph Lee Hartlage of Kenosha, Wisconsin (formerly of Pewaukee, Wisconsin), was just 59 years old when he passed away from complications of a ruptured spleen on August 21, 2021. He was born on June 12, 1962 in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

He spent his childhood and much of his adult life in Pewaukee, where he loved to fish, ride motorcycles, go on long distance bike rides, and spend time with friends. More than anything, Joe loved his two daughters and cherished what little time he was able to spend with them. He was an avid Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan, and loved going to games when the opportunity presented itself. Joe was also a big fan of muscle cars, especially his 1969 AMX.

Joe worked as a carpenter, roofer and handyman his entire life until falling ill from the horribly debilitating disease Multiple Sclerosis. Even then, Joe always put everyone else before himself and did whatever he could for others. He never let his disease get the best of him. Right up to the end, he never lost his sense of humor.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Lowell, sister Kerry, and step-father Raymond Winkelman. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, mother Marie Winkelman, brother Scott and sister Mary (Jason) Nettesheim, as well as special nephews and niece Cody, Paige and Ryan Nettesheim. We would like to extend a special thanks to Joe’s close friends, Chuck and  Jelene Marx, and Vonnie Murphy for their incredible gift of friendship, and for going out of their way in Joe’s final years to provide him with comfort and companionship.

There will be an informal celebration of Joe’s life on Friday, October 1^st 2021, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sussex Civic Center, 2^nd floor board room. Food will be provided. We will have a eulogy and memory sharing at 6:00. Please dress in casual attire, as that is what Joe would have wanted.

The Village of Sussex Civic Center is located at N64 W23760 Main Street, Sussex, WI  53089, directly across from Piggly Wiggly.