Joseph “Joe” Richards

PORTAGE – Joseph “Joe” Richards, age 50, of Portage, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at University Wisconsin Hospital, in Madison, with the ones closest to him, by his side.

Joe was born on July 27, 1976, to Grace and Charles Richards in Columbus, WI. Joe graduated in 1996 from Rio High School.

Joe liked to spend time with friends, playing video games, watching football — cheering on The Bears, baseball — cheering on The Cubs, and basketball — cheering on The Lakers. Joe always loved working on cars since he was a teenager.

Joe is survived by his sister, Amy (Orla) Kuhns; brothers, Darrin and David; paternal grandfather, Duane Richards; uncle, David; aunt, Teresa (Richards) Decker; cousin, Marcus (Shannon) Wojak; close friends, Mandy (Ryan) McGrath and Justin (Elizabeth) Krueger; along with many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Grace; father, Charles; maternal grandparents, Earl and Fumie (Kodo) Sikkila; parental grandmother, Dorothy Richards; aunt, Valda Richards;  aunt, Yvette Richards; and his best friend, Rodney Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rustic Saloon, in Montello, 330 County Road B, on November 1, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage , is assisting the family.