"I knew joe in high school and was very saddened to hear of his passing.Joe and I had not spoken for many years but I had often thought about him.In 1992 Joe came to visit me at my home in Green bay.I was surprised to see him but not surprised he stopped by.Thats what I remember most about him,the way he cared about other people.I lived in Kansas City for many years and when I would visit my family if I saw anyone from Abbott Pennings I would always ask if they had heard from Joe and how he was doing.I think in life we make few friends that have a lasting impression.Joe made that impression opon me.Thats a testament to what a wonderful person he was.....My deepest condolences to the entire Mettner family.....................Sincerely,Joseph D. McElrone"
In loving memory of
Joseph P. Mettner
December 21, 1963 - October 3, 2009
Madison -- Joseph P. Mettner, of Madison, loved and respected by many, died unexpectedly on October 3, 2009. He was 45 years old.
Joe was born on December 21, 1963, in De Pere, Wisconsin, to parents Therese and Robert Mettner. In 1982, he graduated as valedictorian from Abbott Pennings High School in De Pere. He then attended the University of Wisconsin -- Madison, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration (1986) and a juris doctorate (1992).
Joe had a passion for public policy and was devoted to public service. He began working for Governor Tommy Thompson while still in law school and, in 1993, Governor Thompson appointed him to serve as a Commissioner on the Tax Appeals Commission. He served in that role until 1996 when he was appointed as one of three members, and later as chairman, of the state's Public Service Commission. In 2003, he left the Commission to form his own utility-regulation consulting firm, Found Lake Consulting, which he named after the lake his father fished.
Joe had a contagious fascination with life. He approached everything he did with extraordinary enthusiasm, dedication, and love -- whether in the role of father, husband, brother, friend, or public servant. He also remains responsible for many a belly laugh, creatively recounted observation, dead-on impersonation, kind gesture, and head-to-toe warm feeling. He touched the lives of many, including those to whom at death he gave the gift of life, and he will be missed beyond words.
Joe is survived by his wife, Michelle; their two young daughters, Sara and Kelsey; his sister, Jeanne Mettner (Scott Szarkowicz); his brother, John (Cathy) Mettner; his father's wife, Ruth Mettner; special aunts and uncle, Louise Waldkirch and Mary and Pete Witte; nieces and nephews, Robert and Sophia Mettner, Kalahari and Maxfield Szarkowicz, and Zachary, Jacob, and Isabel Intrater; the eight Waldkirch and Witte cousins; and so many close friends, whom Joe always regarded as family. He is preceded in death by his parents.
There will be a visitation Thursday, October 8th, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and Service at 1:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Joe's name to Notre Dame Elementary School in De Pere or Children's Hospital & Health System in Milwaukee.
Tributes
"To the Family of Joe: I just learned of Joe's death today from our mutual friend Diane Harmelink. I remember fondly when Joe started working for Gov. Tommy Thompson in the first years of his administration. My heart goes out to his wife and children and I can only say that I thought Joe was one of the kindest people I knew. He had energy and enthusiasm in everything he did and an unending desire to keep us all laughing. Although we parted ways in the late 1980's, I will always remember him and I know he is missed by all his life touched. "
"Hi John-I was in town for the Holiday and my Mom mentioned Joe's accident-What a heart breaker,I loved that guy, he will be missed by many and remembered in a Joe kinda :) way.My deepest regrets to your families.Bobbi Regnier(DeMoulin)"
"Michelle and Family, You don't know me, but I am Joe's cousin, the daughter of his mom's brother, John Lindrud. I cannot say I knew Joe well, but as kids we played together at family gatherings and he and I attended college at Madison at the same time. I think the last time I saw him was when we rode together to Alma in 1983 for our grandmother's funeral. I remember dropping him off at the Holiday Inn in Winona and we had a drink and a few laughs together. I am truly heartsick for you and your children. As you struggle through the dark days, know that even strangers such as I are still thinking about you and sending our prayers."
"Michelle and family - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. As many have said here, he was one in a million. I had the absolute pleasure of working with him in the early years of the Govenor's office and he always kept us smiling. I wish you peace and comfort in your memories of Joe."
"Dear Michelle and Family - Please accept my deep sympathy, albeit somewhat late, on the death of your Joseph. How shocking to hear from one of his Pennings High School classmates, Jim Hoegemeier, the news of Joe's untimely passing. Jim had visited me here with the Norbertine Community in New Mexico some months ago, and had in fact spoken glowingly about Joe and his service to the city of Madison and state of Wisconsin. Now someone/s else is/are left to fill his multi-talented shoes. How well I remember Joe from his APHS days - always bright, cheery, welcoming, spirited, and a born leader. I appreciated especially his dedication to learning Latin, and hope that experience served him well over the years. For teachers there is no greater expression of gratitude than to know of former students' successes. Joe surely has shown in that regard. Since Joe's funeral Jim has shared with me his impression of the enormous showing of honor and support throughout those tough days. Who else but much-loved Joe could generate such a loyal following even until the end? It sounds like Father Meehan did Joe justice and esteem during the funeral service. It was he and I plus numerous others who had the duty and privilege of mentoring Joe during his Squire days. We all mourn with you. If I were in Wisconsin surely I would have been with you and them as you laid Joe to rest. But now you and the girls are left to adjust your lives without Joe physically present to you. May you find yourselves surrounded with many relatives and friends who help guide you to a new beginning, even as Joe has begun his new life. May peace eventually come to you in abundance, with the knowledge that you and the girls helped to "raise" Joe as much as any teacher or family member. Please try to live with this hope. "Pax.""
"My deepest sympathy to all of your family. May you be comforted by wonderful memories and by the love and support of your family and friends."
"Michelle & Family - I recieved an urgent call from my mother, sharing of Joe's untimely death. While amidst my disbelief, I recalled the many great memories of Joe while attending high school together. Freshman year football (from the grace on the field to the lockeroom antics), theology class w/ Fr. Bush, and the weekend gatherings... Returning this evening and reading your families obituary, I realized what a special gift his life was for all, as the glimpse of his adult life so perfectly fit the teenager that I had the good fortune of attending school, so many years ago. I cannot imagine why the Lord had called Joe home so early, though I do know that the many many people with who he touched, his gifts of kindness, compassion, committment, unwitting humor, and gregarious personality will carry on with us all! May the prayers of family and friends bring comfort in the days ahead! God Bless you, your children, and your families! "
"Dear Michelle, My heart goes out to you and your girls on the passing of Joe. I had the pleasure of working with Joe during our APHS days and formed a special friendship. To this day and forever, I can hear "Hey Brogie" and await what was coming next because his next words would be witty and timely. Joe was always able to put others at ease in any situation and his smile was infectious. His commitment to community, service and doing the right thing leave an example for all of us to follow in our lives. In your times of need, remember his caring nature and ability to comfort us with his words. We are all better for having known Joe and his impact will carry through many of us. The Brogan family will continue to pray for your family and wishes you all the best in your time of need. God bless you."
"Describing Joe in a succinct paragraph is virtually impossible. The best way to gain an understanding of the person Joe was is to read these submissions and to listen to the stories about Joe. Everyone has a "Joe Mettner story". These stories in and of themselves do not tell you all you should know about Joe but by reading all of them you'll get a feel for the "real Joe". I've known Joe since high school. Two of my favorite Joe stories (of many) illustrate his work ethic and the love for him that other people had. In high school, I did not come from one of the parishes that fed into Abbot Pennings, so all the kids from DePere and Allouez were new to me. However, I remember each Monday morning (following a weekend of a party or similar event) some of the guys would tease Joe about not being at the event. In fact, they would usually have heard from Joe's brother John that he was at home studying on the given night. Of course, the guys gave him a hard time about that. I even started to feel sorry for him until I realized that they teased him because they liked him. They truly wanted him to be at the events because they liked him. He wasn't part of a particular group; he fit into all of them. Everyone liked him. Of course, he also worked hard. He did things his own way. Without changing when he got to Madison, he was loved and respected here as well. I worked downstairs from him when he was a Tax Appeals Commissioner. I would visit him regularly during the week. His work habits were legendary. I remember (perhaps my memory has exaggerated his legend over time) he would often "roll in" to work in the afternoon only to work until 4 am or later because that is when he felt he could get the most (and best) work done. He was dedicated and loyal to his work, his friends and his family. When you read and hear all the stories about Joe, the last sentence in your mind will be: he was just a good guy. "
"My sympathy to the Mettner family. My prayers and thoughts to all."
"To the entire Mettner family: I also was a classmate, teammate and friend of Joe's at APHS. Later we were roommates at UW, along with the other fellas from De Pere, at the house across from Gorham Park. Joe was so special in so many ways as you know. Every person with whom he came in contact in life respected him because it was mutual--thats the way he treated them. He honestly knew no strangers. At this time of grief and sorrow in your lives, mere words and memories cannot fill the void. Please know that they are like bells tolling for a truly great soul. The most enduring memory of Joe and an important life lesson for me came at a tragic time in his life. On the day of his mother's death , Joe was in class with us when the announcement came with morning prayers. Every head turned to look at Joe sitting in the back of the room. He was sitting straight up, quiet, pensive but determined. I'm sure I was not the only young man in that room who thought: man,he is so strong, so brave. Perhaps he would wish for y'all to soldier on to the best of your ability in such a fashion. Our family will pray for you all. Blonz, Port Orange FL"
"Michelle, I really got to know Joe when we started out as Senate Pages together at the Capitol in college. We had a blast, worked hard, talked politics and Joe was in the middle of it all! Joe was a true friend and he lived honestly...to his own beat, with a lip full of chew and his wonderful grin...and never happier than as a family man. He will be endlessly missed. You and the girls are in our daily prayers. We're here for you...full of stories about your beloved Joe. Sending our deepest sympathy and love."
"Dear John. My wife, Shirley and I want to offer our sincere condolances to you and all your family. We know first hand the sorrow of losing a family member at such a young age and in such a tragic manner. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the stength needed to cope with such a tragedy."
"We're sorry we can't be with you at the funeral, but we'll be there in spirit. Kurt, our son, will represent our family. Be assured of our continued prayers for your consolation and peace."
"Dear Michelle - a very good friend of mine called me Monday to tell me about your loss. My friend is a co-worker with you and when she learned of this sad news, it hit very close to home... My husband was also killed in a car accident, about two years ago. I have three small children, one son that is 6 and twins that are now 2. When something happens that is so unexpected it is very hard to put things together and find the answers. I will tell you that the road ahead will be rough, but that you must look at your children and know that you need to be strong for them and in return, they will bring you much needed happiness in the time to come. I know it's strange to get a letter from a stranger, but I received a few of them when my husband died, and found it comforting to know that there are people who cared and wanted to extend condolences. I pray that you have some family and friends nearby to help you through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children; if there is anything that I can do to help you, I would be happy to do so..."
"Michelle - Pati and I are so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. He was a good man and I was glad to know him. We wish we could be there this week for you. Take care. With our deepest sympathies, Steve and Pati Edwards Penacook, New Hampshire"
"Michelle, I was so saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Joe. He was such an amazing, friendly, kind and loving guy. I can only imagine the pain you and your girls are experiencing with this loss. Please know that the prayers of the Gigot family are with you and your family during this time of great sorrow. I was a classmate and friend of Joes at Abbott Pennings High School and I say with true honesty, Joe was simply the best. He will be missed greatly. Tim Gigot and Family"
"RIP Joe, you were certainly one in a million. "
"I graduated from Abbot Pennings High School a year after Joe. I can't remember who the valedictorian of our class was, but I know that Joe was the valedictorian of his class. I have had the pleasure of knowing Joe for 30 years. We kept track of each other and would touch base with each other whenever major life events - weddings, births, funerals, etc. - took place in our lives. On a somewhat regular basis, I would walk by one of the many eateries in downtown Madison and hear someone call my name using the voice of Ronald Reagan, Tommy Thompson or a teacher from our high school. Joe would then STRONGLY encourage me to join him in partaking of various refreshments. Joe was the most intelligent, funny and friendly person I have known. His soul and spirit remain with the many people that have had the good fortune of knowing him. May God's comforting embrace surround Michelle, the girls, other family members and Joe's many friends."
"Dear Michelle, I am so sorry to hear that Joe has passed. I had the absolute pleasure of attending Abbot Pennings High School with Joe and was in his graduating class of 1982. While reading Joe's obituary I was reminded of the numerous times that the entire class, locker room or party would erupt in laughter in response to one of Joe's impressions. I am sure that I am not exaggerating when I tell you that Joe was easily the most popular kid in our class. The teachers loved Joe because he was an amazing student. It is rare to meet someone as funny and smart as Joe who was also so kind. To this day, I still recall Joe coming up to me at football practice in August, 1982 after he had beaten me out for the starting position at wing back. He told me not to give up and really made me feel better. It also helped that Joe delivered his consoling words to me while doing a great impression of our science teacher and I couldn't stop laughing. I am sorry that Joe has left you and your kids so early but I am happy that you were able to know and love Joe as he was truly special. Heaven now has one of our best and brightest. May God bless you, your kids and Joe."
"So sorry to hear of your loss. We will pray for you. Krista Schaaf (sister in law of Chris Green)"
"Dear Michele, We were saddened to hear of your tragic loss; please accept our deepest sympathy - I hope that knowing that our thoughts are with you and your children is of some comfort to you. Kind Regards, Martin & Lesley Loon."
"Dear Michelle and family, I am so sorry for your and our loss. As you know better than anyone, Joe was something incredibly special in all of our lives. Brilliant, funny, kind, engaging and a true mood boost for any of us lucky enough to cross his path. Since hearing the news, I've had the wind knocked right out of me and obviously countless others feel the same. But we did have some tremendous times together, thanks to Joe, and the reason I feel the loss so keenly is that he was such a major presence in the good parts of my life, and our lives. Now that he's unavailable, I wish to see him immediately. He loved his friends and family, and we loved him back in return and by example. There was no one else like Joe, and no one even in his ballpark. But you know all this better than anyone, and so I guess I'll try to celebrate his presence with us here for forty-five years -- I just selfishly wish we had the pleasure of forty-five more. Since this sucks so badly, I have no uplifting message. Just know that we are here with you in a measure of your loss, and will never forget Joe, the pleasure of knowing him, or the example of his life. Love, TR"