Joey Allen Leib's Obituary
After a courageous and long-fought battle with both cancer and kidney failure, Joey Allen Leib, aged 65, went to be with his Lord on Monday morning, December 19th. Joey, the second son of Ronald “Rocky” and Nina Leib, was born on September 14, 1957, and was a lifelong resident of Oshkosh.
Joey graduated from Lourdes Academy in 1976 and was a proud member of the 1975 WISAA State Football Championship team. He continued his penchant for football by volunteering to help high school teams for over twenty-five years. He was the team manager for the 2000 WIAA Oshkosh North Football State Championship team and helped out with the Lourdes Academy Basketball team for years.
Anyone who knew Joey, knew he was always ready to talk about his beloved sports teams: the “Cubbies”, the UW Oshkosh Titans and, of course, the Green Bay Packers. He was also an avid fan of any sport played by his nieces and nephews and Uncle Joe was an ever-present supporter of all their activities including musicals and concerts. Joey could also be seen working many Spartan Track and Field meets, rain or shine, he was there.
Joey showed his faith, strength and determination by beating leukemia in 2005. Although the treatment for this cancer took its toll on his body, particularly his kidneys, it did not stop him from wanting to work, go to sporting events, to church and spend time with family and friends. If there ever was a fighter, it was Joey Leib. His positive attitude and strong spirit never wavered even through this last battle with esophageal cancer.
Joey is survived by his brothers, Steve (Mary Beth) Leib, Mike Leib, and Rick (Susie) Leib. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews: Max (Cassie), Noah, Eric, Adam, Meghan (Tim Holtz), Ben, Josh (Morgan), Emma, Allie and Sammie Leib. Joey’s circle of friends throughout his entire life was broad and deep. He was incredibly blessed to have the friendship of some very special people who were a constant source of encouragement and support. Rob Mauritz, Lori Mathe-Johnson, and Jim and Paula Jaeger… he loved you so. A heartfelt thank you to a very special friend, Jessica Haight.
A additional thank you goes out to the many cousins, aunts and uncles that supported Joey throughout his life and the past few years: Dave and Janie Juedes, Rick and Judy Welch, Bill and Peg Welch, Wendy and Bruce Hunter, Janice Mathe. Your kind words, visits, treats, and prayers carried Joey through the tough days and raised him even higher on the good days.
Joey is preceded in death by his parents: Rocky and Nina Leib, grandparents Rial and Nina Welch, and Joseph and Emma Leib.
Joey’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Aurora Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and those medical professionals throughout the broader Aurora medical community, including the dermatology department, that cared for Joe over the years. A very special thank you to those nurses, CNA’s, drivers and many other staff members from the Evergreen community. Your attention and care of Joey while he was a resident is so deeply appreciated by his family and friends. A particular sense of gratitude from the family goes to Generations Hospice, whose model of care and the people who executed it in the closing days of Joey’s life will be something always treasured.
A celebration of Joey’s life will be held at St Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. A visitation of family will be held at the church between 9 and 11 am with a funeral service beginning at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, The American Kidney Foundation or the Evergreen Residential Community Foundation.
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