Joseph S. Gorman passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, with his daughter and close friends by his side. 

Joe was born on January 1, 1948, to James and Leona Gorman in Richland Center, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of five children raised on a rural Wisconsin farm, where he developed a lifelong love for the Green Bay Packers. 

While attending college, Joe was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served 14 months in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for his service. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tomah, Wisconsin. His career later took him to New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and eventually to Hot Springs, South Dakota, where he made his home. 

Joe retired from the VA in 2006, after 36 years of dedicated service. During his career, he left a lasting impact on veterans throughout the region as a key team member in bringing dialysis services to the Black Hills VA and assisting in the opening of the community-based clinics throughout the Black Hills Health Care System. 

Throughout his life, Joe embraced adventure, laughter, and connection. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, skiing, cooking, four-wheeling, boating and cheering on the Packers every chance he got. No matter where he went or who he met, Joe never knew a stranger. He had a gift for making friends everywhere and was always ready with a story, a laugh, or a memorable one-liner. 

Joe is survived by his daughter, Meagan; his two grandsons, Jaxson and Jordy; his brother, John (Betty) Gorman; his beloved canine companion, Mollie; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Leona Gorman; his sister, Joanne (Robert); and his brothers, Larry and Jimmy. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Legion in Hot Springs. In honor of Joe’s larger-than-life personality, his love for the Packers, and his reputation as the “fashion police,” the family requests attendees wear the loudest, brightest, most colorful prints or Packers gear they own. 

Interment with military honors will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. Papa Joe will forever be remembered for his laughter, stories, friendships, and the love he shared so freely. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.