Joseph McLimans

Joseph Allan McLimans, age 59, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, formerly of Fennimore, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on August 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joe was born August 31, 1966, to Raymond and Doris McLimans, the youngest of seven children. Growing up as the baby of a large family shaped much of the man he would become: hardworking, strong-willed, fiercely independent, and deeply devoted to the people he called his own.

Joe believed in working hard and providing for his family. He spent many years with Schwan's Company before later becoming a terminal manager for Western Express. He was the kind of man who took pride in a job done well and rarely knew how to do anything halfway. His work ethic was unmistakably Joe, and it was one of the many things he passed along to his daughters.

Outside of work, Joe found happiness in the simple and familiar things. He loved hunting and fishing, playing darts, shooting pool, classic country music, old westerns, and a good home-cooked meal. Joe also loved to make people laugh, though sometimes no one found his jokes quite as funny as he did-and hearing him crack himself up was often the funniest part.

At the center of Joe's life were his twin daughters, Hannah and Chelsea. From the day they entered his world, being their dad became one of the most important roles of his life. He loved them fiercely, worried about them, worked for them, laughed with them, argued with them, taught them, and watched them grow into women with families of their own. Through him, they learned resilience, determination, the value of hard work, and how deeply a family can remain connected through all of life's seasons.

Later, Joe became Grandpa to Rowan, Elowyn, Haven, and Elara, with his grandson Kairon on the way. His grandchildren brought another generation into the family he loved so deeply. Although he would not have the chance to meet Kairon, Joe knew of him, and Kairon was already very much a part of the family.

Joe's life was not without difficult chapters, and neither were the relationships that mattered most to him. But his final chapter became one of remarkable courage, grace, reconciliation, and love. As his illness progressed, the things that once seemed important fell away, leaving room for what mattered most.

In his final days, Joe was surrounded by family. His daughters were beside him, as was his brother and lifelong friend, Dan, and his former wife and dear friend, Angela McLimans, whose care and steadfast presence remained an important part of his life. There was laughter. There were tears. There were difficult conversations, forgiveness, and the opportunity to say things that sometimes take a lifetime to find the words for.

Cancer may have changed the way Joe's story ended, but it does not get to define the life that came before it.

Joe leaves behind his daughters, Hannah (Zack) Douglas and their children, Rowan, Elowyn, and Haven; and Chelsea (Haley) Thanupakorn and their daughter, Elara, and son, Kairon, on the way; his siblings, Robert (Susan) McLimans, Thomas (Susan) McLimans, Victoria (Michael) Boomgarden, Daniel (Verda Nemo) McLimans, Richard (Shelli) McLimans, and Charles (Richard Merion) McLimans; as well as many extended family members and friends whose lives crossed his during his 59 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Doris McLimans.

For those who loved him, Joe's absence will be found in a thousand ordinary places-in an old country song, a western playing on television, a fishing pole by the water, the opening morning of hunting season, a game of darts or pool, a familiar joke, or a meal that tastes like home. Those are the places where a life continues to make itself known long after someone is gone.

Joe was a father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a man who was deeply human. He was loved. He mattered. And he will be missed.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Croix Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Laufersweiler Funeral Home & Cremation Services.