Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Josiah “Hoocak Hoit’e” Thunder Sr.
Josiah Thunder Sr. (1948-2026) passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at his residence in Tomah, Wisconsin. Josiah was born on September 17, 1948, to Mary (GreenCrow) and Frank Thunder.
On July 9, 1978, he married Rosalie Gokee, who survives him.
He is fondly remembered as an avid outdoorsman, spending most of his time hunting or fishing. He also enjoyed gaming, watching football, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Joe spent most of his career working for the Department of Natural Resources as a Forestry and Fire Control Technician and Heavy Equipment Operator. He loved being outdoors cruising timber or responding to calls for wildland fire control or supervision. You could often find Joe in a local parade as “Smokey the Bear.” A highlight of his career was being on a wildland fire crew.
Survivors include his children Leah, Josiah Jr., and Arlene; grandchildren, Justin Thompson Jr., Alexandria Thompson, Brett Blackdeer, Layla Blackdeer, Mya Darge, Austin Breeden, Josiah Thunder III, Jocelyn Thunder, Naomi Thunder, William Thunder Jr., Eric Thunder, and Jasmine Thunder; sisters Myrtle Long and Faye Begay; sister-in-law Beverly Thunder; along with nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary; brothers Merton Thunderbull, Gordon Thunder and Levi Thunder; sisters Faith Matter, Hope Smith and Charity Thunder; and beloved son William Thunder Sr.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta with Stuart LoneTree officiating.
Burial will be at a later date in the Fairchild Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday starting at noon at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
