Joseph LaDow
November 29, 1941 - September 22, 2025
Obituary
Joseph “Joe” LaDow, age 84, of South Wayne, WI, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, September 22, 2025, at SSM Health – Monroe Hospital in Monroe, WI. He was born on November 29, 1941, the son of Orlando and Annice (McKillip) LaDow. Joe grew up in the Argyle and Blanchardville area near Yellowstone Lake and attended Everson School. Joe was united in marriage to Helen Hammer on February 16, 1979, at the Green County Courthouse in Monroe.
Joe lived a full and hardworking life. He was an avid stock car racing fan, rarely missing a race unless it was raining or there was a family event. In his younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting and made sure he never missed a season.
Joe had a tireless work ethic and never liked to sit idle. Whether cutting wood, tinkering in the garage, or working on old cars, he was always on the move. He especially loved taking his 1965 Mustang to car shows, where he proudly earned many trophies.
Over the years, Joe kept himself busy with many jobs and ventures. He farmed, worked for Narveson Construction in Dodgeville, Iroquois Foundry in Browntown, and Dura in Stockton, IL—all while running his own roofing business. He often spent his days roofing and his nights working at the factory, a true testament to his dedication and determination.
Joe is survived by his wife, Helen; two children: Bobby LaDow of Beaver Dam, WI. and Billie (Derrick) Woodward of Sparta, WI.; two grandchildren: Avery and Caitlyn Woodward; his siblings: LaVerne LaDow and Lynda (Steve) Blum; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings: Lois (Orville) Noble, Roy (Charlene) LaDow, Retha (Charles) Blackbourn, Jack LaDow, Mary (Frank) Skutt, and Terry and Helen, both deceased in infancy.
Per Joe's wishes, there will be no formal service, but a celebration of life will be held on November 29, 2025 from noon until 4:00 PM at the Village Inn in South Wayne, WI. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
BN
Billie Nipple
Friend •
Reflecting on the Joe I knew, We've been friends with Joe for about 25 years, there's a lot of great memories, he always like to stop over and have coffee, he'd even call ahead, so it's be ready when he got there, we chat for a while and drink coffee, sometime we'd go drive around the back roads looking for vehicles to scrap. I remember just hanging out in "The Shop" just talking, always working on something. There were times I'd organize his tools, (they were everywhere). Then there's the Darlington speedway, Joe loved to go to the races, seemed he knew most of the racers by name. Sometimes we make a bet on whose going to win that race, I picked by car number( I didn't know all there names) Joe would pick a number to, I'd win that bet every once in awhile, he'd win most of them. Lol There's this one time Joe stopped at our place with Helens beautiful baby blue truck, after a cup of coffee and a lil chatting, he let me take it for a spin with him just down the road and turn around, Well as I was turning around his door came open, he has always joked with me about that he said "I was trying to throw him out of the truck" lol. Always a kidder. I have so many great memories with Joe, he showed me what a true friend really is, I won't ever forget you, ,"your side kick." I was there when "they tore down "the shop" that was a rough day, but we got through it. One friend to another. That was the same day I got the call my father in law had passed, we helped each other that day. I won't ever forget he'd always call me his "lil sweetheart" or " his side kick" . You will be missed dear friend. Forever In My Heart,
BN
Billie Nipple
Friend •
Reflecting on the Joe I knew, We've been friends with Joe for about 25 years, there's a lot of great memories, he always like to stop over and have coffee, he'd even call ahead, so it's be ready when he got there, we chat for a while and drink coffee, sometime we'd go drive around the back roads looking for vehicles to scrap. I remember just hanging out in "The Shop" just talking, always working on something. There were times I'd organize his tools, (they were everywhere). Then there's the Darlington speedway, Joe loved to go to the races, seemed he knew most of the racers by name. Sometimes we make a bet on whose going to win that race, I picked by car number( I didn't know all there names) Joe would pick a number to, I'd win that bet every once in awhile, he'd win most of them. Lol There's this one time Joe stopped at our place with Helens beautiful baby blue truck, after a cup of coffee and a lil chatting, he let me take it for a spin with him just down the road and turn around, Well as I was turning around his door came open, he has always joked with me about that he said "I was trying to throw him out of the truck" lol. Always a kidder. I have so many great memories with Joe, he showed me what a true friend really is, I won't ever forget you, ,"your side kick." I was there when "they tore down "the shop" that was a rough day, but we got through it. One friend to another. That was the same day I got the call my father in law had passed, we helped each other that day. I won't ever forget he'd always call me his "lil sweetheart" or " his side kick" . You will be missed dear friend. Forever In My Heart,