One summer Joe helped us install a front landscaping wall.  I got us food and put it on the patio table in the back.  As I was trying to open the patio umbrella the table shattered.  I started crying hysterically.  Joe came back to see if I was ok surprised to see me bawling over a table, spilled drinks, and fast food on the ground.  Now I’ll admit I may have overreacted just a bit but looking back it was probably funny to watch as this big tall guy awkwardly hitting this much smaller inconsolable girl on the back knocking her forward with each blow.  I will say he was gracious enough not to tease me to much about that as we shortly found out I was pregnant at the time and we are going to blame that whole reaction on the baby.  Although I had not seen much of Joe in the last year I will not forget where I was or how I could not catch my breath when I found out he was gone.  It still makes me smile and chuckle when I think about how I was always greeted with “What’s up Warden?” Yet it saddens me that I won’t hear it again.  I know that although it is harder for us now that he would not be happy if he could not have lived life full of activity & craziness.  He will be missed but not forgotten. 

Joe was my first long distance relationship.  Ironically my husband wasn’t jealous.  When Joe was in Texas, he would write Nick a front and back letter.  I had never met Joe, and only new him as one of Nick’s very close friends.  So, the natural response is to send this stranger a typed mini novel in return.  I would update him with everything that was going on with us, Nick’s family, I would confide all my concerns and fears.  This continued for 3-4 years.  Not only did lots change, but I grew close to a person I had never met.  He would address my concerns and provide reassurance.  A couple drastic changes included Nick getting married, having two sons, going to bed by 9pm, and feeling hung over after 2 beers.  So naturally Joe dubbed me the “Warden” as this was all my fault. From that point on Joe never went out with Nick without asking for my permission. I would roll my eyes and tell him “of course he can go. Someone has to keep you out of trouble.”  I don’t think there was ever a time that Joe would come around and we wouldn’t have these playful kidding moments.  I once told him that I was going to hit him in the head with a bag of pennies.  I figured all the cents must have been knocked out maybe using a bag of pennies would knock some back in.  Even though we enjoyed given each other a hard time he could always be counted on.  He helped us move twice. If he said he was going to be there he would be.  If I called him for help, he would drop what he was doing to come help me and the boys.  He could always be counted on. 

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Joe was always such a great guy growing up in the neighborhood. I will always remember his big smile and even bigger heart. I am so glad I got to see him at our high school reunion.

I will be sending prayers to his family.

His son Jayden is my bestfriend and I will support  him that his father has  died  I feel really bad for him and his family and i hope his dad has a sleeps well.🙏👍

We are so very sorry for your loss. We both have fond memories of Joe growing up. Your family is in our prayers.

Kathy & Lenny Pittala

We are truly sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Wichman family. 

Sincerely,
Bob & Mary Neptune and family

So sorry to learn of the loss of your son and brother. Dennis, Marilyn and Jeff,  you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Rod

Joe and I have some wild memories together, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone!  He was a solid and genuine friend, and had a big heart ❤️!! Grateful for the time and memories!!

Joseph Brett will always be remembered here ..Joe was a free spirit and friend to many..Joe was many things to me, father to my son, over 30 years my friend and companion with ups and downs and ins and outs...He was family to me for so long and the loss is great for many! We were estranged many times as we fought our own battles but we always remained in contact and love regardless of our own hardships.  To his friends and family I knew well,  my heart goes out to all of you and in this time of grief and loss...MAY GOD give you strength and comfort...Love to all of you from Michele and Jayden Wichman

In my families time of loss and sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with you . Although we can not be there our hearts and thoughts are with you always. I will always remember the joy that Joe brought to so many people and how his smile always brightened the day of whoever he was around. We were blessed to have had him as part of our family even though his time with us was much to short. 

I'm so sorry to hear about Joe. He was one of my best friends in high school. I took a ride though the old neighborhood yesterday, going by his old house and remembering what a fun, funny guy he was. God bless Joe and those who've survived him.

We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s sudden passing.  My favorite memory of Joe was a very competitive 2 on 2  basketball game pitting his dad and I against Joe and his brother Jeff.  Something tells me he and Jeff had some intense 1 on 1 matches as well!  He was taken way too soon!  Our  hearts go out to the Wichman family and all of his friends and family!

Matt & Trace Crawford
St. Louis, MO

It was always fun growing up with Joe!   We grew up in the same neighborhood, shared the same friends and were classmates our whole lives.  I'm sure that my brother was one of the first to greet him in Heaven!  Prayers up for Jeff,  Joe's parents, extended family and his many friends.  Love, Melana Scantlin

I was Joe's welding instructor in the sheet metal apprenticeship .
Only  had him in class three times but really enjoyed having him as a student. He was easy going and fun to be around. Just Tuesday he real started picking up welding. Wish I could have been able to see how good he would become at welding. You will be missed BIG BOY. 
May God be with you and your family.
Jerry Latta

Dennis and Marilyn:  So sorry to hear about Joe.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Hugs. Connie

Joe has always been like family to us!  He stayed with us when we were a new family, he has been banned from our kitchen without supervision, and he even came to visit us in Cali.  All of our children have memories of him at the beach throwing the football around and being one of the few men who could get a rise out of their dad!  Joe was also great at taking a snarky joke from a friend's wife, which can say a lot for a man! Joe will always be remembered as family in the Enos home!  We are so deeply sad  Joe's life has been made so short here on earth.....but find comfort in knowing he is home with his heavenly father for eternity.  
With love, 
Michael and Lori Enos

Love you friend. Wichman family,  known you since I was a young boy, love and prayers in this difficult time. Peter and Heather Caster 

To Joe’ s  dearest family: 

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your son and Jayden’s dad. I knew and met Joe years ago through my twin which is Jayden’s mother. I have been praying for Joe’s salvation and for him to turn to God and especially in these  last few weeks when he has often been on my heart. And he is important to me because he is Jayden’s father and God’s son and God loved him no matter what he struggled with here.  I knew he struggled in this life as we all do in some way but God came for this and  to save us. He sent HIS son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so we could truly live. I have that myself  and I had prayed for that for Joe as well. Having lost a daughter myself I pray for all of you in the loss of your beloved precious son! He was Gods precious son and God loves him more than any of us here could have here.  I pray you feel Gods presence in the absence of your beloved son Joe. I’m glad God put him on my heart and into my  life through Michele and Jayden so I knew how to pray for him. This summer Jayden talked about his last visit with his dad and O, how he adored him.  

Love in Christ Jesus,

Jayden’s aunt Tamara 🤲🏼

JOE  was a great guy and a hard worker. I will miss him and miss the chance to see him grow as a union sheet metal worker. 

OBITUARY

Joseph "Joe" Brett Wichman

November 23, 1977 – November 6, 2019

Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home & White Chapel Cemetery

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