Joseph A ‘Joe’ Burbach, 89, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Visitation will be from 8:30-10:45a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 305 W Main St, Dickeyville, WI 53808. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00a.m. The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Joe was born to Carl and Dorthy Schonhoff Burbach and raised with values of faith, hard work, discipline and devotion to family that would guide him throughout his life. Family was always the center of Joe’s world. He sacrificed willingly for his children, placing their needs and opportunities ahead of his own and teaching by example the meaning of love, responsibility and commitment.

On July 7, 1956, Joe married the love of his life, Shirley Jansen at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, Wisconsin. Together they built a loving home and shared a remarkable marriage that spanned nearly seven decades. Their faith, partnership and dedication to one another proved the foundation for a family that continues to be their greatest legacy.

Joe worked six years at the Dubuque Packing Company before beginning a 30-year career at John Deere. He retired on February 1, 1996. Even after long days in the foundry or the welding line, Joe could often be found coaching his children’s sports teams, attending games or supporting their many activities. He believed that showing up mattered and rarely missed an opportunity to encourage those he loved.

An avid sports enthusiast, Joe enjoyed city league basketball, fast-pitch softball and golf in his younger years. He coached grade school basketball for 12 years positively influencing countless young athletes through his leadership, patience and dedication. He was also active in his church and community, serving on both the parish council and school board at Dickeyville Holy Ghost.

Joe was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees, Wisconsin Badgers basketball and the Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles, whether listening to a game on the radio, watching from the stands, or discussing sports with family and friends, he found joy in competition and teamwork.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, five children Dan (Teresa), Greg (Connie), Tim (Kim), Ted (Linda), Mary Beth (David) and daughter-in-law Mary Burbach.

Joe is also survived by 22 grandchildren – Tyler Burbach (Katie), Luke Burbach (Kendra), Sarah Harris (Travis), Katie Smith (Quentin), Ryan Burbach (Raquel), Maggie Kimbro (Alex), Tony Burbach (Laura), Elizabeth Moody (Beau), Annie Evischi (Kenny), Michael Burbach, Jake Burbach (Samantha), Emily Barry (Luke), Joey Burbach (fiancé Laura), Brad Burbach, Alex Burbach, Megan Sweere, Brynn Sweere, Emma Sweere, Ben Sweere (Becca), Zach Ries (Lauren), Kaitlyn Ries and Cody Ries (fiancé Dulce). He is also survived by 38 great grandchildren, a sister Betty Leibfried (Bob), sisters-in-law Jeanine Burbach, Judy Burbach, Brother-in-laws Tom Gibbs, Milton Gotzinger, Tom Runde and Ken Jansen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Carl, John, Vince and Bill, sisters Mary Remington and Dorthy Gibbs, brothers-in-law Virgil Jansen, Jim Remington, Don Jansen, sisters-in-law Sharon Runde, Bernadette Jansen, Sally Jansen, Jeanette Gotzinger, Julie Jansen, close family friend Father John Naumann, daughter-in-law Cheri Burbach, great grandson Ray Daniel Burbach and lastly his favorite son Tony Burbach.

Thanks to all the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Schools or Hospice of Dubuque.