Joseph Hengel

Joseph D. Hengel, 68, born on All Saints Day, November 1st, 1956 of La Crosse, WI, passed away at Gundersen Health System on November 7, 2024. Joe fought a courageous 11 year battle against colon cancer with grace, humility, and strength. His determination came from his love of family and God.

Joe attended Aquinas High School where he developed life-long friendships. After graduation, he immediately joined the family plumbing business as an apprentice. Joe later became a master plumber succeeding his father, Joseph B. Hengel, in 1980 as President of Hengel Brothers, Inc. Joe worked closely beside his brother, Jim, and later his two sons, Joey and Jason. His fifty years of plumbing knowledge and dedication to the business was admired by many. Joe was very proud to work with countless plumbers throughout the years, many of whom became close friends. He also served as President of the Wisconsin Mechanical Contractors Association for seven years and many more as a member of the board.

In his life, he enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, family vacations to Florida, the Ozarks, and out West, snowmobiling up north in Barnes, WI, duck hunting with cousin Nick, and attending car shows throughout the coulee region. Joe was an avid classic car and vintage snowmobile collector and enthusiast. Each May, there was the annual Hengel family fishing trip to Canada, which Joe enjoyed one more time in 2024. He loved spending time with his sons - watching them play sports, drag race at the La Crosse Speedway, and assisting in the plumbing business long after his retirement. Joe was proud that his two boys joined the business and that they were able to spend time together sharing lunches, stories, and laughs. Joe's strong work ethic has been passed down to his sons.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Susan; sons Joey (Brittney) and Jason (Ali); Grandchildren, Emma Hengel, Sawyer Swenson, Tauriel Swenson, and Liara Swenson; siblings, Jim Hengel and Judy Hengel; mother, Lois Hengel; nephews, Jess Dzurko (Ashley), Ross Dzurko (Lindsey), Brad Walz (Britni); mother-in-law, Rita Brown; and brother-in-law, David Brown. Also his special one-eyed companion, Mia the shih-tzu.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph B. Hengel; sister, Jane Walz; brother-in-law, Richard Walz; father-in-law, Perry Brown.

The family would like to thank the Gundersen Oncology Department - specifically, Dr. David Mariner and Dr. Lisa Gundersen for their compassionate care during the years. In addition, the countless nurses in the infusion unit for their smiles, support, and snacks.

Joe will be dearly missed by his friends and family. His sense of humor and his dedication to family will never be forgotten.

In accordance with Joe's wishes there will be a private family service to be held at a later date. A Celebration of Joe's Life is planned for November 15, 2024 at The Freighthouse Restaurant in the Hiawatha Room, 107 Vine St. La Crosse, WI from 5:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Joe. Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com