Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who gained fame as “Joe the Plumber” after a notable encounter with then-presidential candidate Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign, passed away at the age of 49 on Sunday. His wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, confirmed his passing in an email to Fox News Digital on Monday.
In a heartfelt statement, Katie expressed the family’s sorrow, describing Joe as a cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend who touched many lives. She emphasized his authenticity and humility, sharing how he introduced himself as “just Joe” despite his public moniker.
Joe Wurzelbacher had revealed in July that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Despite the challenges, Katie acknowledged their efforts to find joy in each day and highlighted his courage in the face of illness. She noted that, with his faith in Jesus, Joe’s battle was ultimately victorious.
Katie conveyed Joe’s last wish to reunite with her family and shared a touching moment from his final days. She expressed gratitude to the many supporters who offered their assistance and solace during his journey.
A fundraising campaign on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo was set up to aid the Wurzelbacher family during his cancer fight, amassing $135,234 in donations as of Monday.
Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumbing business owner during that time, gained prominence when he questioned Obama’s tax plan at a 2008 campaign event, suggesting it contradicted the American dream. This interaction led to his “Joe the Plumber” nickname. The late Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, incorporated this nickname into his campaign and even brought Wurzelbacher on the campaign trail.
Wurzelbacher’s name became a topic during the 2008 presidential debate between Obama and McCain, as he went on to make a bid for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District seat in 2012, though it was unsuccessful. Survived by his wife and children, Joe Wurzelbacher’s impact on the political landscape and his dedication to his beliefs will be remembered.