Joel S. Marcus

Joel S. Marcus, age 73, passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026 following a brave struggle with ALS. He was born November 10, 1952 the son of George and Helen (Heller) Marcus. Joel met Judith Swartz in Chicago at the store she was managing, and they were married in August of 1999 in Madison. Joel was a lifelong resident of Spring Green until recently moving to Madison seven months ago.

Joel attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, and the Hamline University School of Law until his second year when his father became ill, and he returned to Spring Green where he later took over the family business “Nina’s Department and Variety Store” as the fourth generation owner. Joel served 16 years on the Spring Green Village Board, and was Planning Commission Chair, as well as a member of the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce. He and Judy were long time members of Beth Israel Synagogue.

Joel is survived by his wife, Judith Swartz Marcus, brother Steven Marcus Benson, cousins, brother and sisters in law, niece, and nephew, and his beloved German Shepherd Lorca, and cat Dalia.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI 53705. Burial will follow at Beit Olamim located at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434