Harold James "Buck" Joseph

Harold 'BUCK" Joseph Buck Joseph passed away peacefully in his home in Edina, Minnesota, on June 20, 2024. Buck was born on August 24, 1946, in De Pere, Wisconsin to Harold and Olive (Krielkamp) Joseph. After his father died when Buck was fourteen, Buck started working to help support his family, delivering papers on his bicycle before school and working after school at the local pizza restaurant. He learned to always arrive on time from coach Vince Lombardi during a summer job as a water boy for the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. After graduating from high school, Buck received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master's Degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, and his Doctorate of Education from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. Like so many young men of his time, Buck served in Vietnam, where the Air Force assigned him to teach English to Vietnamese soldiers. Buck was pleased to be offered the chance to return to his alma mater, the UW-Madison, as a professor in the Executive Education Department, where he taught leadership and communication for 34 years. This position also afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively. He conducted leadership seminars all over the U.S. and across the world, from Australia to South Africa, sometimes traveling with his children. Eventually his wife Annie also traveled with him, often to their favorite place, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where they made many friends over the years. Buck lived a life of service. An extraordinary teacher who put others first, he wanted to "set people up for success." He often talked about his love for the classroom. In addition to serving his students, he was a mentor to colleagues, neighbors, and friends, often coaching them on their own teaching and presentation skills. Outside of the classroom, Buck loved the English language and literature. Milton's PARADISE LOST, Shakespeare's MACBETH, And Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY were among his favorites. He also enjoyed music, especially the Beatles and Buddy Holly. In fact, as a teenager Buck hitchhiked from De Pere to Madison to hear a relatively unknown poet and musician named Bob Dylan, who became another favorite of Buck's. Buck liked to spend time outdoors, appreciating all creatures great and small. He was proud of his extensive vegetable garden in Madison, from which he donated pounds of food annually to the Madison food pantry. And, of course, Buck was a UW Badger fan, following the football and basketball teams throughout their seasons. He went out of his way to find a sports bar in Mexico so he could watch March Madness, and his wardrobe included lots of red and white, the Badger colors. Buck said he wanted to be remembered as a good provider, son, brother, father, friend, and husband. He was all of those things and so much more. He will also be remembered for his larger than life personality, his presence, and his infectious laugh. Buck is survived by his wife, Annie Gleeman, two children, Claire (Terry) Walsh and Paul (Tisha) Joseph, and five grandchildren: Cooper and Grant Walsh, Julia, Sam, and Violet Joseph, as well as his nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Eddie, James, and Kay (May). A celebration of Buck's life will be held at The Patty Wagon, 6042 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with social hour starting at 11:00 am and a brief memorial at noon, followed by lunch. It will be casual dress. Red & white (UW Badger colors) are encouraged. If you would like to continue Buck's legacy, please consider making a contribution to one of Buck's two Green Light Scholarship Funds through the Madison Community Foundation. Donations can be made by visiting this link and then typing "Buck" into the search box: https://www.madisongives.org/giving/give-now-to-any-fund

Tributes

Harold James "Buck" Joseph

August 24, 1946 - June 20, 2024

Tributes

Harold James "Buck" Joseph

August 24, 1946 - June 20, 2024

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