Joseph Lamb

SUN PRAIRIE, WI/ Seneca, IL – Joseph Edward Lamb, age 80, died on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Madison, WI. Joe was born on December 17, 1944, in Ottawa, IL to Gene and Mary (Jones) Lamb.

He spent his early years on the family farm in Utica, IL, until moving to Seneca. Attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Seneca Township High School in 1963.

When he was six years old, Joe was one of the many children afflicted with the polio virus. He spent many months in the hospital, and doctors said he would never walk again. Joe defied that prediction for 70-plus years. While he had many decades of health and vitality, post-polio syndrome continually deteriorated his health, but never his wit and wisdom. Vaccines save lives.

Joe followed in his father's and older brother’s footsteps, joining the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, in 1964. He also spent years farming and as co-proprietor of Ace Hardware and Auto Parts in Marseilles, Illinois, before returning exclusively to his career as a heavy equipment operator. Joe retired on April 1, 2005, and was extremely proud of his profession and 61 years of union membership.

Joe married Linda Myre of Seneca in 1967, and they had three daughters.  After spending his adult life surrounded by women ("even the pets were female," he would say), Joe's pride and joy, his grandson Joseph Patrick Gallagher, was born in 1998.  Papa Joe and Joey not only shared a name, but a very special bond.

About 10 years ago, Joe moved to Madison, WI, to be closer to "the girls" and world-class medical care.  The family would like to express deep appreciation to Joe's many dedicated practitioners from UW Health, particularly the caring and compassionate team at Madison East Hospital.

Joe loved his family and wide circle of friends, Ford cars and trucks, watching golf and old westerns, dad jokes, and reminding his daughters which projects they should complete in their houses and yards.  He was a lifelong fan of the Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, and more recently, the Badgers. 

Joe is survived by “his girls”, Dana, Annette, and Melissa; grandson, Joey; siblings, John, Thomas (Debi), George (Cindy), Carol (Jeff) Jackson, and Mary (David) Spicer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family, and many grandpets. He is preceded in death by his parents; and beloved nephews, Marc Schweneker and John Spicer.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post 235, 571 Rutland St., Marseilles, Illinois, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Easter Seals, a local food pantry, or any Democrat running for office in 2026.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
608-249-8257