Joseph Zondlo
1939-2024
The Joe Zondlo deepbelly laugh was instantly recognizable and infectious. We will hear his laugh forever. We will also remember his deep concern for all people, his calming and supportive manner, deeply held values, clear thinking, subtle humor, and passion for medicine and nature. Joseph Zondlo passed away at his home on June 25, 2024. Joe was born to George and Victoria (Padula) Zondlo in Rib Lake, on Nov. 6, 1939. The first of nine children, family and faith were central to his life. His siblings were his support (and source of teasing) for his entire life, with countless hours over the years spent fishing, hunting, golfing, and playing cribbage together. He learned about hard work on the family farm and bartending and cleaning at the family tavern, Zondlo’s. Radio connected him to the larger world, whether listening to Ted Williams and the Red Sox, Hank Aaron and the Braves, or Elvis and early rock and roll. Starting with the farm vehicles of his youth, he developed a lifelong love of driving and road trips. By showing up at the DMV in 1956 with a farmer’s habit of waking up early, he became the first person in the state of Wisconsin to take, and pass, a driving road test.
After graduation from Rib Lake High School in 1957, Joe went to college (the first in his family to do so) at UW-Superior, where he majored in chemistry and medical technology. He went to medical school at the University of Wisconsin. There, he met the love of his life, Barbara Guif. They were married June 11, 1966 at St. James Catholic Church in Madison. They moved to Philadelphia, where Joe did his residency and internship at Philadelphia General Hospital.
Joe proudly served in the US Army from 1969-1971, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He moved to Green Bay in 1971, working as a pediatrician at the Webster Clinic. He also co-founded (in 1973) and volunteered at the Oneida Health Center. His warm hands comforted many children over the years. In 1993, he made the bold decision to change careers, completing training at the University of Cincinnati and joining Kagen Allergy Clinic, where he worked for 23 years.
Joe’s family was central to his life. To his children, he taught his values, the importance of love, his sense of humor, love of science and the natural world, passion for travel and exploring the world, spirit for sports, and geekiness. He will be missed by the many friends and colleagues, including members of both Ascension Lutheran and Resurrection Catholic parishes, with whom he spent many hours talking and laughing. His greatest joy was his grandchildren, who loved his snuggles, stories, and time spent playing games or fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, George and John Zondlo; his brothers-in-law, John Jimieson, Arlan Utesch, Hank Schilke, Ray Lowry, and Bob Gumz; his sisters-in-law, Janet Schilke, Ginny Utesch, and Candy Zondlo; his nephews, Mark Schilke and Ted Zondlo; and his niece, Lori Guif.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara; sons, Neal (Susan) and Mark (Katie) Zondlo; daughter, Ann (Joel) Collier; grandchildren Ben Zondlo, Andrew Zondlo, and Claire and Matthew Collier; sister, Mary Rose Gumz; brothers, Jim (Delores), Jerry (Jean), Jeff, Eugene, and Dennis (Debbie) Zondlo; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Lowry, Sherry Jimieson, Kris Zondlo, and Jo Ann Zondlo; brother-in-law, Stan (Carol) Guif; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation was held on July 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere. The funeral was held at 11 a.m. on July 3 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allouez, preceded by visitation at the church from 9-10:45 a.m. and followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
The family thanks Dr. Matt Fuchs and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care.
Paid Obituary 154865
