Joseph R. Gomolka

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

Joe had just celebrated his 75th birthday the day before with family during an unseasonably warm March afternoon, a memory that will be especially cherished. Joe was born on March 8, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Lila (Martin) Gomolka, who preceded him in death. He grew up on the south side of Chicago in the Bridgeport neighborhood and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1969. Joe served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Joe married Diane, and together they shared 36 years of marriage and raised their family.

He started his career with Blue M and spent many years working as a Senior Systems Analyst with Eaton Corporation, where his career took him through company relocations before ultimately bringing him to Wisconsin nearly 30 years ago. During that time, he also honored his entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating Pirate’s Cove Bar & Grill in Waterloo for a few years. Joe had a lifelong love of cars, especially classic muscle cars, and restored several to pristine condition over the years. He enjoyed trading vehicles often and took pride in keeping them impeccably clean. He also loved jukeboxes, slot machines, and trains, and was known for his ability to tinker with almost anything.

Joe enjoyed spending time in his garage with the door open, PBR in hand, sitting in the sunshine and listening to music. He had a keen interest in weather and kept close track of current events. In recent years, he also took great interest in monitoring the energy production from his solar panels. Despite living in Wisconsin for nearly three decades, Joe never converted his sports loyalties and remained a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox. He loved living out in the country, and was known for reminding family and friends to watch carefully for deer on the roads.

Joe will be remembered for his routines, his attention to detail, and the small thoughtful ways he showed he cared. He was often the first to call family and friends to wish them a happy birthday. He loved lemon cookies, never forgot to turn off a light, and had a favorite saying he shared with loved ones: “Good night, happy dreams, wake up with a... smile.” He especially loved spending time with his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play.

Joe 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 and nephews and extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00pm on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Epiphany of the Lord Parish- St. Joseph campus in Waterloo, with Fr. Rob Butz presiding. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Waterloo. Per Joseph’s wishes, blue jeans and casual attire are recommended.