Madison: Joseph David Downs, 80, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, surrounded by family. He was born on April 13, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Thomas and Victoria Micheline Downs.
Joseph spent his early years in Chicago, later moving to Lombard and Antioch, Illinois, with his family. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1966 with a degree in accounting and began his career with Arthur Andersen Accounting Firm in Chicago. In 1967, Joseph enlisted in the Army, serving with the 3rd Armored Division in Frankfurt, Germany, during the Vietnam War era. It was during this time that he discovered a love for photography, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.
On July 26, 1969, Joseph married Elizabeth "Betty" Herschler in Schaumburg, Illinois. Together, they raised three children. Joseph supported his children in their activities, including swimming, running, biking, and equestrian pursuits. In 1979, Joseph and his family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked as a CPA and Firm Administrator at Smith and Gesteland. He helped the firm grow and adopt new technologies over 27 years until retiring in 2006.
Joseph enjoyed nature while living in Montrose from 2002 to 2020. In retirement, he worked on prairie and woodland restoration, harvested berries and nuts, and grew sunflowers. Joseph enjoyed sharing the prairie and woods with his seven grandchildren, taking them on adventures in the John Deere Gator around the property. His love for the outdoors was complemented by his passion for woodworking, particularly creating rustic furniture. Photography, history, and genealogy were also important in his retirement years. In 2020, Joseph and Betty moved back to Madison, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Joseph supported the Friends of the Madison School Forest as a long-time member and recently served as a board member and treasurer for three years.
In January 2021, Joseph was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). He faced his illness with a never-give-up attitude, while never losing his spirit.
Joseph will be remembered for his kindness, friendship, and dedication to his family. He was a very caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose helpful nature touched everyone who knew him.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Downs; his children, Steven (Julie) Downs, Phillip (Amy) Downs, and Ann Marie Downs (Joel Taylor); his grandchildren, Riley and Anton Downs, Ella, Matthew, Charlotte, and William Downs, and Bodhi Taylor. He is also survived by his brother, Timothy Thomas Downs (Doreen).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas and Victoria Micheline Downs.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society https://givenow.lls.org/give/394054/#!/donation/checkout or the UW Carbone Cancer Center https://secure.supportuw.org/give/?custom=med04&group=carbone
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406
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