Joseph R. Gomolka

Joseph Richard Gomolka, 75, of Waterloo, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 11, 2026.

Born on March 8, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Lila (Martin) Gomolka, Joe grew up on the south side in the Bridgeport neighborhood and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1969. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He and his wife Diane shared 36 years of marriage and raised their family together. Joe began his career with Blue M and spent many years as a Senior Systems Analyst with Eaton Corporation, a path that eventually brought him to Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago. He also owned and operated Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill in Waterloo for a time.

Joe held a lifelong passion for classic muscle cars, restoring several to pristine condition and taking great pride in keeping his vehicles impeccably clean. He loved jukeboxes, slot machines, and trains, and was known for his ability to tinker with nearly anything. He cherished quiet moments in his garage with the door open, a PBR in hand, sitting in the sunshine and listening to music. A keen follower of weather and current events, he took special interest in recent years in monitoring the energy production from his solar panels. Though he lived in Wisconsin for nearly three decades, he remained a devoted Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. He loved country living and was known for gently reminding family and friends to watch for deer on the roads.

Above all, Joe will be remembered for his steady routines, his attention to detail, and the quiet, thoughtful ways he showed he cared. He was often the first to call loved ones on their birthdays, never forgot to turn off a light, and shared his favorite farewell with family: “Good night, happy dreams, wake up with a... smile.” He took deep joy in time spent with his family, especially watching his grandchildren play.

He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Jose) Martinez of Cottage Grove and Dana (Nathan) Lindgren of Madison; his beloved grandchildren, Nolan, Olivia, and Austin Martinez and Quinn and Talen Lindgren; his siblings, Jeanette (Albert) Kamradt and John (Angela) Gomolka; his aunt, Joanne Portzline; his cousins, Rich (Pat) Zolna and Dan Washburn; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.