Joseph Xavier Gower

MADISON- Joseph Xavier Gower, age 44, departed this life on September 16, 2009, peacefully at home after a long illness. He was born July 28, 1965, in Louisville, Kentucky to parents James W. and Mary Lou (Newel) Gower. Joe attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from West High School in 1983. He was a lifetime member of Blessed Sacrament Church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4527.

Joe always worked with computers, starting in sales and later moving to tech support for the State of Wisconsin. Joe owned Hot Mix Productions where he enjoyed working as a disc video jockey. He was a security officer for several local companies and was the Block Captain of his Neighborhood Watch. Joe's motto was to ""pay if forward."" He was always willing to help anyone in distress with no concern for his own personal safety.

Joe was active in soccer throughout his life as a goalie for many teams, including West High School. He was passionate about golf and enjoyed working as a golf marshal with his Dad at the Greater Milwaukee Opens.

Joe is survived by his father, James W. Gower; and his family: sister, Mary Lynn Thurman and children, Cassandra, Holly and Kenny of Northern Virginia; sister, Victoria (Jim Hamers) Gower and children, Adam and Garrett of Salem, OR; sister, Reni (Jeff Nelson) Gower and children, Erin and Hallie of Richmond, Virginia; and brother, James W. Gower, Jr. of Madison.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Gower.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Avenue, Madison, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM at the church. Father Pat Norris will officiate. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

With an undying spirit, he fought a courageous battle. He is loved and deeply missed.