Joseph Thomas Glidden was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 2, 2025, at 1:35pm CST.  Joseph was born on August 1, 1980, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  He is survived by a daughter Alyssa…. his father Gary…. his mother Karen…. his sister Stacey (her daughter Rosena and daughter-law Harley) ...his brother Tim… his sister Elizabeth (her husband Joshua and their sons Harley and Aiden).  Joseph was preceded in Heaven by his nephew, Ian (Stacey's son).

Joseph is a PK; Preacher's Kid.   He was raised in a Christ-centered home.  One day, coming into the kitchen from outdoor play, he announced he wanted Jesus in his heart.   That day he became a follower of Jesus Christ.

Joe's mini me, as he referred to his daughter, Alyssa, played video games together making loads of memories in the gaming world.   Alyssa is Joe's legacy, and he often referred to her as strong, incredibly intelligent, a talented artist, and all around a better version of himself.  She was his world!

Joseph had a heart of gold.   Joe was a paraclete.  When he saw a need, he responded by coming along beside a family member, a friend, or even a stranger.  Whether the need was monetary, a tangible item, a listening ear, an encouraging word, an act of service, or his supportive presence; he gave of himself unconditionally.

Joe was a gifted artist.  His drawing of his high school mascot won the student competition.  (See artwork in photos.)

Following high school Joe earned his degree as a Computer Programmer, Software Developer and Cyber Security. Joe established a career of expertise in these three areas.   Joe was an indispensable employee for the state of Florida.

Joe learned through watching.   At the age of one, sitting in a Gerry carrier on his father's back, in the middle of the Yellowstone River, Joe watched intently, his dad fly-fishing.  Joe enthusiastically exclaimed with each fish coming to the net, "Fizsh-Fizsh!"

Joe enjoyed watching his dad tie fishing flies.  Joe, now four years old, dad discovered a handful of fishing flies sitting on the bench in dad's workshop. Someone had tied several, beautiful, Hendrickson dry flies. When dad asked Joe if it was him who tied the flies, Joe denied.  Dad said to him, "Someone tied these beautiful flies?"  Joe fessed up, "It was me, dad."  Joe became a prolific steelhead fly-fisherman. He would catch three fish and have them on a stringer before his brother and dad had their flies in the water.   Having caught his limit, he returned to the car and went to sleep.

As a child Joe always quietly observed and then set out with remarkable determination to recreate his observations.   As an adult that determination became relentless when Joe had a point he wanted to drive home.  He would argue his point so aggressively that his opponent (often siblings) would just concede to end it but this is one of many reasons he was loved!

Joe was a gifted athlete.  His years of playing baseball stretched from summer t-ball to summer Little League to summer Minor League to summer Teeners to four years of high school Spring baseball to summer American Legion.  Joe's last two years of American Legion baseball (ALBB) his coach was none other than his brother, Tim.  His final summer of ALBB culminated in Tim coaching the team to second place in the statewide ALBB Tournament.  Joe's passion as a player stretched over 15 years.  He attended every practice and every game.   His mom and dad attended every game no matter the distance.  We became very well acquainted with the map of Wisconsin. Because of Joes strong throwing arm and pinpoint accuracy, Joe's position was center field.  Joe also loved soccer.  His field position was to keep the opposing team from scoring!

Joe, a big brother to his sister, Elizabeth, would help, protect, and watch. She would often follow him around and did whatever he would do. He would always keep tabs on Elizabeth, even when they had their sibling differences. When they both matured to a certain age, they became very close, laughing, joking and horsing around. She remembers the time he assisted her in 'TPing' someone else's house, but he told on her; the family was wondering what happened to the toilet paper. He threw a roll or two to show her how to toss them; he was not innocent! All the memories are too many to count. "When we last embraced in November 2024 -- it was long, and I didn't want to let go. I love you, my dear brother, I hold our moments closely, but most importantly, I'll see you again. I love you, Joe."  Liz

Celebration of Life

3:00 pm

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Lakeview Studio

RecPlex

Pleasant Prairie, WI