Joe Urban

Joseph J. Urban, 101, of Neillsville, WI died on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Dove Health Care in Osseo, WI.   

Joseph was born July 29,1923, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Joseph and Lena (Wagner) Urban.  He lived in Jacksonport, a small village on the shore of Lake Michigan in Door County during his childhood and early adult years where he did a lot of fishing, hunting, swimming, was a caddie at Maxwelton Braes, waiter at his parents’ night club and played baseball with Jacksonport in the Door County League.  He attended the University of Wisconsin majoring in business and also was a member of the University of Wisconsin marching band until 1943 when he was inducted into the Army.  After basic training at Fort Benning, Ga, he entered into the Army Specialized training program (ASTP) at Ripon College.  Then on to Camp Crowder, MO where he became a high-speed radio operator in the Signal Corps.  His destination after training was to the European Theater where he was attached to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF) under General Dwight D. Eisenhower and served there until his discharge in 1946.

Upon his return he again entered the U of WI for the fall term.  In Jan. 1947, along with his father Joe Urban, Sr. and brother Charles Bob Urban went into the automobile business in Neillsville selling and servicing Chrysler, Plymouth and International trucks in the garage.  In 1958 they also acquired the Rambler franchise in Osseo and operated that until 1960.  In 1962 they purchased the Buick Pontiac franchise from Genrich Motors in Neillsville and built a new facility in 1965 on Hwy 10 for the Buick Pontiac division operating until it was sold in 1975.  They continued the operation of the Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge dealership until the sale to Craig and Wendy Sigurdson in 1982 and it remained operated under the Urban Sales & Service name for many years until the recent acquisition  by Gross Motors.

He was united in marriage on Jan 31, 1943 to Marie (Peg) Spille in Door Co. There life was good.  They spent many years in Florida during the winter. They enjoyed their travels in the US and Europe, and the many good times on the golf course, at the card table, fishing and bowling with friends.  During his later years he still went to the dealership every morning and enjoyed the afternoon playing cards with his buddies.  He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 73, Neillsville Country Club and sponsored a bowling team for many years.

He is survived by a daughter Mary Beth (Thomas) Rabe of Bakersfield, CA and son Dick (Lynda) Urban of Neillsville, granddaughter Kristin Rabe, Bakersfield, CA., grandson Clinton (Tonia) Urban, Neillsville, granddaughter Kathryn (Kurt) Officer, Stratford, WI, great grandson Carter Urban and great granddaughter Kenadi Urban of Neillsville and a brother-in-law Hank Spille and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Peg, a great granddaughter, Claire Urban, his brother Bob (Grace) Urban, a sister -in-law Lorraine (Erling) Landfried, sister– in-law Eunice (John) McCormick and sister-in-law Marilyn Spille

We remember Joe as a good husband, father, grandfather, friend to all and that friendly car salesman and dealer who loved his job.

Arrangements are pending. 

Online condolences can be made at Geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Neillsville is assisting Joe’s family with arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.