Simon Elmer Joseph, 28, of Wilton, Wis., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at home.
He was born Nov. 21, 1995, the son of Melissa Kiel and John Joseph in Hillsboro, Wis. After graduating from Tomah High School, he attended Western Technical College for psychology. His warm and caring character led him to work with children and adult with cognitive and behavioral challenges at Chileda in the La Crosse area. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2017 to 2021.
He later attended the prestigious University of Chicago, majoring in behavioral psychology, with the hope of one day helping veterans.
Simon was known for his kindness, unwavering determination and love and support of his family, siblings and friends. His laughter not only lit up a room, it made all those around want to be a part of the joy it brought. He enjoyed many things; among them he was a proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, loved surfing in the California sunshine and playing in a Chicago flag football league with friends. Simon enjoyed listening to a vast array of music, which fueled his love for playing guitar. He never missed his favorite Wisconsin sporting events hosted by Packers, Brewers or Wisconsin Badgers. He loved to travel and experience new places, namely Paris and San Diego, but he frequently would come back to the peaceful hills Hillsboro, Wis. He always had time to listen and would often share from one of his favorite reads.
Perfection is not obtainable but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. – Vince Lombardi
Forgive my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense. — Robert Frost
Survivors include his mother, Melissa Kiel; his father, John (Diana) Joseph; his siblings, Day Rose Joseph and family, Jericho and Nova; Victoria Joseph (Todd Overly) and family, Atlas; Joy Joseph (Ducky) and Evan Joseph; his step-siblings, Kally Sargent and Spencer Sargent, and his half-sister, Grace Joseph; his grandparents, Rex and Mary R. Kiel, Jim and Sandy Joseph and Carol Finstad; man’s best friend, River Buddy; aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends, Tristan Jahn, Daniel Fillmore and Brody Gerke; along with his Marine brothers, including Rincon, McRae and Lamack.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Elmer Joseph; his grandfather, Ron Finstad; his cousin, Logan Henthorne; his uncle, Jason Joseph; his cousin, Keaton Joseph; and Fallen Brothers Who Served.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Pastor Bruce Milleman officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Dorset Valley Cemetery, 26208 Hwy. 71, rural Wilton. A time of visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4–7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro and on Friday from 10–11 a.m.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
