Thomas, Joseph H. “Joe”

Joseph H. “Joe” Thomas, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected community leader, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 65. Born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Bob and Twila Thomas, Joe was raised with a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to community, values he carried throughout his life.

Joe’s passion for farming and public service was evident to all who knew him. As the fifth generation to operate the Thomas family farm, alongside his wife Diane, he cultivated not only the land but also a love for rural America. After his father’s passing in 2017, Joe continued the legacy of Tom’s Campground, welcoming campers from near and far and sharing his father’s joy for meeting new people. He served as an elected official as the Ridgeway town chair since May 2011 serving 14 years, as well as serving on several other committees.

A dedicated member of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department since 1979, Joe served as assistant fire chief from 1995 to 2002, then as chief until 2024, before stepping back into the assistant chief role. His 47 years of service and three decades of leadership left a lasting impact on the members of Ridgeway Fire Department and the broader community.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Twila Thomas; his daughter, Hannah; and his mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Berniece Aurit.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Diane; his children, Kyle, Josiah and his daughter Olivia, and Allison (Kyle) Spease and their children Clark, Meredith, Walker, and Stetson. He is also survived by his beloved nephew, CJ (Danielle) Ihm; his best friend and sister, Mary (Jeff) Rohlinger; sisters Katie (Pat) Ihm, Nancy (Dave) Bradshaw, Sarah (Mark) Weier; brother David; and many other nieces, nephews, and family members who will cherish his memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of Flowers contributions to the Ridgeway Fire Department or Agrace would be appreciate. 

The Thomas family would like to thank Agrace Hospice, Susie and John Husom, The Ridgeway Fire Department and All Friends, Family, and Neighbors for all the love and support in this difficult time.

Joe’s legacy of service and dedication to family and community will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com