Joseph W. Williams Jr.

Madison -- Joseph W. Williams Jr. ""Nuk"", age 40, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2010, at his home following a long extended illness. He was born in Madison, on August 13, 1970 to Joseph and Mayme (Waller) Williams. He attended Verona High School and graduated in 1989. He was a member of the boys track team and held many awards for a record in triple jump. He also participated in the Badger State Games. Joseph was united in marriage to Lynne (Curning) Grueneberg. Joseph and Lynne met while working at Meriter Hospital where he was employed from 1989 to 1998 in Environmental Services as a trainer for new employees and a variety of heavy duty jobs. He then was employed by Dane County at the municipal building downtown Madison and worked in Facilities Management Maintenance Dept. from April 1998 -- April 2002. Meanwhile he also enrolled at MATC in 2001 to 2002 into the Police Science Academy Program and received 22 college credits. While working for many years in janitorial positions, Joseph wanted a more rewarding career, and chose to become an Iron Worker through Local 383 Apprenticeship Program. He studied and worked jobs with J.H. Findorf & Sons, J.P. Cullen, SPE, Sanders Steel and Iowa Reinforcement. He left his mark in iron work at the new Epic Center Campus in Verona, University Square Building on University Ave., the new dormitory at Edgewood College, the Waterdome on Felland Rd. off Hwy 30 and some work on the American Family Children's Hospital. Joseph was very proud to be an Iron Worker. Joseph had to step away from his short career as an Iron Worker because of his illness and disability. He enjoyed collecting model cars and basketball cards. He spent much of his time with his with his friend and confidant ""Buddy"" his beloved pet Dutch Hare.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Lynne of Madison;  step-daughter, Jessica (James) Kuenzi, of Blue Mounds, his mother, Mayme of Madison; Valerie Williams (Perry Coleman) of Madison, Victoria (Stanley) Schultz of Madison, Kelly Fleming of Las Vegas, NV., Victor Williams of Middleton, Bruce Williams of Mauston; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Also aunts, uncles and cousins from Racine, WI. and Evansville, IN. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph W. Williams Sr., his brothers, Michael and Ricky, his grandparents, Sally and Robert Waller Sr. and Dorothy and Charles Williams.

The family would like to thank St. Mary's Hospital Staff, Dr. Randy Heidel, Dr. Michael Frucht, Dr. John Schuetz for their excellent medical care and encouragement. Rev. Alex Thornburg for his visits and prayers. Jeff Olson and staff at Cress Funeral Service for their wonderful care and compassion. Vicky at Resurrection Cemetery for all her help with preparations. Out family has been blessed to have had Joseph in our lives, he was generous, smart and a loving person and to know him left a place forever in our hearts.

Memorial services will be held at WESTMINSTER PRESBYERIAN CHURCH, 4100 Nakoma Rd., Madison, on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Alex Thornburg officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fellowship and gathering will follow the service.