Joseph J. Heisz, age 77, passed away April 10, 2026 from his battle with cancer. Born Jan. 23, 1949, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., the son of Ora and Helen M. Heisz (Crowley) of Fenimore, Wis. Graduated in 1967 and drafted into the Army in Feb. 1969, trained as a field wireman and reassigned as a crane operator, then honorably discharged Sept. 1970. After returning from V.N. returning to his roots farming and marrying Helen D. Heisz (Hrubes) and raising 3 children. Later in life marrying Rhonda L. Heisz (Vanthournout) of Evansville, until her passing. Joe then moved to Afton and finally retired, keeping himself busy helping family and friends as much as possible. He was deeply involved with the Beloit VFW Post 2306 reaching the status of Jr. Vice Commander and participating in the Honor Guard. Calling them as his second family. He also loved country music, western shows, and riding his Harley. Joe is survived by his children Chad (Jennifer), Jason (Jennifer) Heisz, Kelly (Shane) Baertschi. Grandchildren Brandon (Kailey), Brooke, Megan, Dillan Heisz, Juliann, Lillyann, Owen Baertschi. Step grandchildren Jayse, Justin, Tristan. Great grandchildren Aurora, Gene, Noah, and recognizing the Vanthournout family. And a special thanks to Agrace Hospice Care for providing support through his final days.
A mass Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Evansville. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery with Military Rites. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the start of services at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to Agrace Hospice or the Beloit VFW Post 2306.