Cobb – Joseph “Joe” Carl Ihm, age 90, of Cobb, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Greenway Manor in Spring Green.

Joe was born on February 21, 1936, in Fennimore, WI, the son of Walter John and Elizabeth Genieve (Fuerstenberg) Ihm. He graduated from high school in 1954 and immediately began a life defined by hard work, determination, and devotion to his family.

After graduation, Joe worked for the Cobb Canning Company, where he had previously picked sweet corn. He then started his own logging business, cutting timber, skidding logs from the woods with horses, and hauling them to Hyde’s Mill. Alongside his helper, Ted Sawle Jr., he also cut firewood and fence posts to keep the business going. On December 23, 1956, Joe suffered a devastating logging accident that nearly claimed his life. After months of recovery, he made the difficult decision to leave logging behind and begin a new chapter.

During his recovery, Joe drove a bulk milk truck before accepting a position at Sears & Roebuck in Madison, mounting car and truck tires. After six months, he moved to Nygaard & Steen Tire Company, where he spent the next 12 years servicing car and truck tires. His work often took him throughout southern Wisconsin in a service truck, helping customers wherever they needed him.

In 1958, just months after beginning at Nygaard & Steen, Joe was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country for two years, including service in Germany. Upon returning home, Nygaard & Steen welcomed him back, allowing him to continue the work he enjoyed.

In 1969, Joe and his brother Jerry began farming together, a venture that reflected his lifelong love of hard work and the land. In 1976, Joe sold his share of the farm and purchased a hog farm. When that chapter came to an end, he began a new career with the State Capitol Employees Credit Union, now known as Summit Credit Union, where he worked as a loan officer. He later joined Barneveld Implement now known as Ritchie Implement, where he spent many years working on farm equipment, becoming a familiar face to customers and coworkers before retiring.

Joe’s children fondly remember growing up on Vernon Avenue in Madison during the 1960s and visiting him at work at Nygaard & Steen. The towering stacks of tires, the service trucks, and watching their dad at work became treasured childhood memories that remained with them throughout their lives.

Earlier in life, Joe was married to Joyce (Argall) Ihm, and together they welcomed three children: Mike, Lori, and Pat. Joe Shared over 30 years of love, memories and companionship with Lynn Halverson. Together they built a life centered on companionship, family, and the simple moments that become life’s most treasured memories. As their families blended, Joe embraced Lynn’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as an important part of his extended family.

Joe believed in working hard, keeping his word, and taking pride in a job well done. Whether serving his country, raising a family, farming, helping customers, or enjoying time with those he loved, he lived a life rooted in honesty, resilience, and quiet dedication. More than anything, he treasured his family and found great joy in watching it grow through the generations.

Joe is survived by his partner, Lynn Halverson; his children, Mike (Rita) Ihm, Lori (Jan) Switzky, and Pat (Katie) Ihm; his grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, Caelan, Missy, Emily, CJ, and Ted; his great-grandchildren, Elsie, Stella, and Lainey, with another great-grandchild on the way; his sister, Delores Murphy, Lynn’s children; Becky (Dale), Pam (Pat), Cathy, Laurie (Rahman), Rick (Dorie), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth (Fuerstenberg) Ihm; his grandson, Nicholas Ihm; his brothers, Lawrence (Alevera) Ihm, John Ihm, Jim Ihm, Bob (Geraldine) Ihm, and Jerry (Lorraine) Ihm; his sisters, Margaret (Donald) Taylor and Rita (John) Hannah; his brother-in-law, Tom Murphy and Lynn's daughter, Jodi Halverson.

Joe’s legacy is found not only in the work he accomplished throughout his 90 years but in the family he loved so deeply. His life was one of perseverance, humility, and unwavering dedication. The lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace, Greenway Manor, Spring Green, and caregiver, Paula, who all played a special role in Joe's life, surrounding him with incredible kindness, love, and comfort throughout his final years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cobb with Military Graveside Rites. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

The service will be livestreamed through Gorgen Funeral Services Facebook page.