Joseph Dresser

MADISON - Joseph Warren Dresser, age 75, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 26, 2012.

Joe was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin on October 25, 1936, and lived almost his entire life in Madison. Joe graduated from Madison East High School in 1954, and the University of Wisconsin - Platteville in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering. He married his wife, Eileen M. (Mohlman) Dresser, in 1961; they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on May 13.

Joe spent most of his career with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, working in many different roles. He also spent two years on the staff of Donahue and Associates in Sheboygan. He was proud to be an engineer, and was a long-time member of the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers (WSPE). Among numerous other honors and awards, he served as the WSPE state President in 1983, and was named the group's "Engineer of the Year" in 1998.

As a young man, Joe served for several years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. As an adult he was a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, assisting its congregation in a wide variety of roles. Joe was active in the alumni association at UW-Platteville, and was named its President in 1998. He was a long-time fan and follower of UW-Madison Athletics (the Badgers), the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoyed many years of camaraderie as a member of the Madison-area PGA (Poorest Golfers Available).

In his retirement, Joe was heavily involved with Madison West Kiwanis and served as President of the group in 2002. He was a Master Mason in Madison Lodge 5. He assisted at the Allied Drive Food Pantry, and volunteered at The Road Home. He also served for several holiday seasons as a bell-ringer for the Salvation Army.

Joe loved his family, and let everyone know that the thing he was most proud of in his life was "his girls". He and Eileen enjoyed an active lifestyle and traveled extensively around North America, both with their family and as a couple after their daughters were grown. He was an avid amateur golfer and poker player, enjoying the company and fellowship of many friends during these pursuits.

Joe is survived by his wife, Eileen; his daughters, Michelle L. Dresser (Deerfield, WI), Patricia E. Dresser (Milwaukee, WI), Kathryn M. Dresser (Damascus, MD), and Nancy E. Dresser (Charles Town, WV); his brother, Jon R. (Phyllis) Dresser; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and his faithful canine companion, Bogey. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary L. (Dresser) Holanda; his niece, Karen D. Holanda; his father, Russell E. Dresser; and his mother, Fern B. (Ross) Dresser.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Rd., Madison, WI 53711. A Celebration of Life and Ice Cream Social will be held in the fellowship hall following the service from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Joe requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to either the Good Shepherd Foundation, or the Madison West Kiwanis Foundation.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Daniel Mulkerin of UW Hospital's Carbone Cancer Center, and the staff and volunteers of Agrace HospiceCare, for their care and compassion.