Joseph Scott Heise

Joseph Scott Heise died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday night, August 18, 2024, in Middleton, WI. Joe was born on November 7, 1969, in Rice Lake, WI, to James E. & Mary Ann (Drinka) Heise. He was the middle child in a family of four boys and one girl. His childhood nickname was “Dodo Bird” from a blue coat he wore as a two-year old. He was a free-spirited child who loved to sleep out under the stars.

Joe had many different jobs and worked for a while as a CNA in Southern California, but eventually the ghosts of childhood trauma, anxiety and growing drug addiction caused him to move to the streets of Madison where he lived for many years under a bridge on the John Nolen causeway. Joe could often be seen panhandling on State Street with a blanket over his head.

Despite his addiction, Joe remained a loyal friend with a big heart. He was extremely honest and well intentioned, often giving away the money he had if he thought it would help one of his friends get ahead. He was deeply spiritual and very much in touch with the feelings of others. Joe was also very intelligent and made easy conversation with others. His greatest happiness was simply being with other people doing something useful.

Because of his declining health, Joe spent two of the last three years of his life living in a large rectory with two Catholic priests and several college-aged men. During these years, he would attend Mass whenever his health permitted and often prayed the rosary. He said that all the difficulties he had in his life were worth it for the privilege of living with a priest.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Thomas. He is survived by his brothers, Corey of Wood County, WI, Robert of Fall Creek, WI, and Paul of Loyal, WI; his sister, Theresa Morrison of Portwood; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 30, at St. Paul Catholic Student Center, 723 State Street, Madison, WI, at 5:30 PM. Visitation will be at 5:00 PM prior to the Mass. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery, Marshfield, Wisconsin the following Tuesday. If you wish, send flowers. Joe liked flowers.