Joseph F. McWilliams

MADISON / PORTAGE -- Joseph F. McWilliams, age 70, of Madison/Cottage Grove, died on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the Appleton Medical Center.

Joseph was born on July 29, 1943, in La Crosse, the son of John and Roselyn (Clements) McWilliams. He served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Nuremberg, Germany.  Joe attended Queen of Apostles Seminary in Madison, followed by a course of studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  He was a life-long learner and thoroughly enjoyed a good intellectual debate.  Joe was noted for his Irish wit and charm.  He had a very giving heart and often went out of his way to help those in need; the elderly, children, homeless people, and stray animals just to name a few.  He worked for many years in the theater business as a projectionist and stage hand, often working at the Coliseum and Civic Center in Madison.  He was a long-time and loyal member of the IATSE Union (Local #251), serving a number of terms as the union’s president.   

Joe is survived by his children, J.C. (Alison) McWilliams and Joey McWilliams, and their mother and his long-time friend, Catherine (Kevin) Snitchler; his wife, Deborah McWilliams; his step-daughter, Brandy Miller; his step-granddaughter, Ashley Hamilton; his step-grandson, Maxwell Donahue; all of his beloved brothers and sisters:  John E. (Judy) McWilliams, Jr., Mary (Mike) Underkofler, Mike (Marilyn) McWilliams, Eileen “Dutchie” (Mike) Flegle, Margaret (Bob Halstead) McWilliams, James McWilliams, Rosy (James) Bartells, and Joanie (Paul) Ferman; many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his dear parents.

A visitation will be held at 10am on Tuesday, November 26th at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home located at 430 W. Wisconsin Street in Portage, and a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

A memorial fund has been established by the family for a charitable donation to be made with all the proceeds in Joe’s honor.