Joseph Edward Zeuske, a beloved son, brother, brother-from-another-mother, dear nephew, grandson and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Milwaukee, WI, on August 2, 2026, at the tender age of 20. Born on April 11, 2006, Joseph was the cherished son of Karen Zeuske and the late Daniel Zeuske, and the adored younger brother of Benjamin (age 27) and Nicholas Zeuske (age 24).

Joe was born with a rare diagnosis of 1p36 deletion syndrome which caused a multitude of health and developmental conditions. Despite it all, he bravely persevered through his treatments, procedures and illnesses. While Joseph's life had its ups and downs, he was always centered in love, comfort, vigilance, laughter, and joy.

Joe had a profound affinity for water, spending cherished times swimming with his brothers in pools, lakes, and waterparks. Joe enjoyed snoozing in the sunshine under his baseball cap and shades at his brothers' many baseball games which their father coached, and he charmed his friends and family in the stands with his delightful personality and heartwarming smile. Joe's love for sports extended to watching the Bucks and Brewers play on TV with his daddy and brothers, and occasionally attending a Brewer Game at *Miller* Park. Joe was always comforted by his extensive and ever-expanding collection of stuffed animals, including his beloved Bluey, musical glowing seahorse for sleepy time, and his plush Brewers Sausage Racers. Joseph's love for cartoons like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Bluey filled his home and hospital rooms with warmth and his own fascination.

A true lover of music, Joseph found immense happiness in playing his bongo drums and keyboard in the classical style of "banging on," and he was an enthusiastic participant in music therapy. His special song sung to him by his mother Karen was always "You Are My Sunshine" which was a tune often sung to her by her beloved grandmother Ada and her nurturing mother Mary so many years ago in her own childhood. Joseph had a rascally sense of humor that shone through, particularly during his medical and therapy appointments, in which he would pretend to sleep only to bounce back with energy and wide eyes once the practitioners left the room. He could be hilariously sneaky and clever like that.

Joseph was known for his expressive eyes and winning smile, which were always brightest when he saw his brothers. His playful nature was complemented by his gentle spirit, and he found great comfort in cuddling with his mama, often playing with her long hair and giggling at her antics. Together, they shared a special bond, appreciating each other's unique and goofy sense of humor, which Karen's two older sons tend to ignore or roll their eyes at (they inherited their father's dry sense of humor). Joseph has missed his father's joyful smile, cuddling, pride in him, and absolute adoration for him. Joe was his Daddy's "munchkin." Dan, Joe's father who passed away in 2019, described himself as an "average guy who learned what really matters in life from his special needs kid - and his two older brothers," referencing Joe (his youngest son), and brothers Nick and Ben. A consolation is that Joe is reunited with his father now, learning how to catch a ball and swimming freely, to his father's pure delight welcoming him home. Joe was 13 when his father passed away after an extended journey with cancer. Joseph capriciously became "the man of the house," as his brothers and mother orbited around him adoringly and with needed caretaking. They have proudly shown up as Joe's "pit crew," and "Joe's Jedi." For years, and likely forever more, whenever Karen and her two older sons say goodbye to one another over the phone, they compete for who can quickly say "Joe's mine" and hang up before the other can object. It is yet undetermined whose Joe is, among the three competitors - a likely dispute that will last for generations to come.

There are two notably important loved ones in Joseph's life who must be mentioned. One of those is Lily Jankowski, fiancée to Joe's eldest brother Ben, with a wedding planned for October of this year. Lily and Ben had chosen Joe to be the Best Man in their wedding and even had plans for him to ride down the aisle in his wheelchair wearing gold Air Jordans to match the wedding colors. Joe and his father will certainly be part of the wedding festivities in spirit. Lily has been at Joseph's hospital bedside since she first met the family, providing comfort and embarking bravely upon a very foreign scenario with ease because of her truly kind and open heart. Jaron Luther is a longtime childhood friend of both Ben and Nick, Joseph's older brothers. He refers to himself as Karen's fourth son and Joe's third brother, and he has often stepped up (and beyond) in family support and activities accordingly. He has been a #1 fan of Joseph's all along, as kid-Jaron and now adult-Jaron. Karen, Ben, Nick and their extended family members have appreciated Jaron (and his enthusiastic energy) over many years and are very blessed to have both him and Lily as part of the family.

Joseph's family will forever treasure the memories of his remarkable head of dark brown hair (eventually followed by a beard his older brothers would come to envy), which earned him the "Best Hair" award in the PICU at Children's Hospital - specially-made trophy and all. Joe's family expresses their deepest gratitude to the Complex Care team at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for their support, kindness, and comprehensive services over the years. They would also like to extend a special thanks to the many unseen volunteers from Ronald McDonald House and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church who have donated beautiful and uplifting handmade blankets, pillowcases, and sent toys, as well as a kind stranger who left fresh flowers with positive messages on windshields in the Children's ER parking lot on a recent day. A gesture really can set or re-establish the tone for an otherwise overwhelming or distraught day.

A celebration of Joseph's life will be held on September 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM/noon (visitation) and 1:00 PM (service) at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, located at 1615 N Wauwatosa Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph's memory to the Complex Care Program at Children's Wisconsin, to continue supporting the vital services that brought so much comfort and innovation to Joseph and his family. They have always considered themselves fortunate to live near a top-rated children's hospital, given Joseph's unique needs.

Joseph's life, though much too brief for all who loved him, was a shining example of love, resilience, and the power of a joyful spirit. He will be deeply missed and grieved, but eternally held close in the hearts of all who knew him.

"You will always guide our hearts and strength, Joseph.                  ...Joe's mine!"

Love always,

Mama, Ben and Nick (and of course Daddy who is now joyously reunited with you - we love and miss you both dearly)