July 10, 2023 – West Bend, WI – Loving husband, father, grandfather, benefactor, civic leader, veteran, and welcoming and generous friend to so many, Joseph “Joe” James Zadra entered the home God had waiting for him on Friday, June 30.
Coming from humble beginnings, the son of immigrants from Austria, he left home in Wausau and hitchhiked to Madison working odd jobs to start his studies at the University of Wisconsin. With the onset of WWII, he left the university, enlisted in the US Army, and became a part of the 19th Tank Battalion of the 9th Armored Division under General Patton.
Joe had such a love for his fellow comrades, whether he knew them or not, and especially those who lost their lives in the service of their country. One could hear it in his voice as he would so often honor those fellow soldiers. At age 90, he also called on fellow business leaders as he raised $175,000 to construct the Freedom Memorial in West Bend. Even while battling his illness, he paid tribute on a rainy day one month ago to a fallen WWII hero whose remains were sent back to Wisconsin 80 years later. Such dedication and devotion were so emblematic of this member of the “Greatest Generation.”
While still keeping in touch with his soon-to-be wife, he returned to the US to resume his studies in business at the University of Wisconsin and was married to Edna in 1947. Working as an auditor and accountant in Northern Wisconsin, he interviewed for a job at the Gehl Company in 1953, a farm machinery company in West Bend, Wisconsin. There he would finish his employment of 40+ years, working very long hours to become the President of Gehl Company, the first non-Gehl family member to do so.
During that time, even though he became the “big boss”, he remembered his humble roots and walked the factory floors to get to know so many of the workers personally – so much so that they kept in touch with him over the years. He also delivered turkeys to them on the Christmas holidays. Further, he went out of his way to help find jobs for others or to provide a written recommendation or reference. Again, the “sweet man” his grandchildren knew so well.
He retired as Chairman of the Board at age 72. But his business and civic functions did not end there. For decades – well past the age of 90 – he put in so much time and effort and volunteered with so many organizations (especially veterans and education of young people):
Although being away from home for many long hours as his children were growing up, he still enjoyed life to the fullest. He helped create his pride and joy home away from home near Manitowish Waters. There he taught his children and grandchildren how to fish and hunt, memories of which will last forever. The Christmas gatherings in the Northwoods were always something special.
Joe also perfected the “Uncle Joe Manhattan” which seemed to be an ever-changing concoction as his nephews would say. Having hunted game for food since he was 12 years old and awarded numerous marksmanship medals in the Army, he enjoyed many hunting trips.
He also was an avid fan of local sports teams, particularly the old Milwaukee Braves and his beloved Wisconsin Badgers – where he attended most games in Madison for over 50 years.
Further, he loved dancing, card games Sheepshead and Bridge, and was a busy gardener, taking meticulous care of his West Bend home as well his Northwoods retreat.
And then there was travel, some on business but more so upon retirement. He and Edna traveled to 32 countries and 5 continents over their time together and also provided a special trip abroad for each grandchild.
But even in 2023, at nearly age 101, Joe felt there was more he wanted to experience with his family, more he could contribute, and more to do for others. He so wanted to overcome the sudden discovery of his illness. Plus, he wanted more time with his beloved wife as the love between Joe and Edna for so many years was beyond compare. They were inseparable – holding hands together when out and about.
But God said enough already, “Joe you have been so generous and served so many so well on Earth, it is time to reward you with even a better home – it is time to come home.”
Visitation will be at Myrhum – Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI on Sunday, July 9, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Visitation before the Celebration of Life at St. James Episcopal Church, 148 S. Eighth Ave., West Bend, WI, will take place on Monday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with service and Military Honors to follow at 11 a.m.
There will be a luncheon immediately after the service at the American Legion, 712 Park Ave, West Bend, WI.
Burial will take place at the Northwoods National Cemetery, 4520 Lakewood Road, Harshaw, WI (just north of Tomahawk) with full military honors on Tuesday, July 11 at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made in Joe’s name to: The Joseph J. Zadra Scholarship Fund (to be granted to West Bend High School students), American Legion West Bend, a favorite veteran’s charity, or St. James Episcopal Church.
