Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, famously dubbed "Joe the Plumber" after his encounter with then-presidential hopeful Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign, passed away on Sunday. His wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, verified his passing to Fox News Digital on Monday. He was 49 years old.
"Our hearts are broken. We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He made an impact on so many lives," Katie Wurzelbacher wrote in a statement.
"When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as ‘Joe the Plumber’ but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: ‘just Joe,’" she said. "He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question."
In July, Joe Wurzelbacher shared that he was battling a severe type of pancreatic cancer.
It is with great sadness that I report my friend, Samuel J Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, passed away today. However sad we may be though, Joe now stands in the presence of God. Well done good and faithful servant. @RealJTPhttps://t.co/Q2uk1p1qtQ
— Jared Vallorani (@jvallorani) August 28, 2023
"My heart goes out to everyone whose lives are impacted by cancer. There are so many ups and downs but we tried to find joy in every day. He fought long and hard, but is now free from pain," Katie Wurzelbacher wrote Monday. "I don’t think of him as losing his battle. Because he knew Jesus, his battle was won."
"Joe’s last wish was to get us back by my family. The first night here, he gave me a big smile and said ‘we made it,’" his wife said. "To everyone who has and continues to support us, and there are so many, Thank You! You helped bring Joe peace and for that I will always be grateful."
Months ago, a fundraising campaign was initiated on the Christian crowdfunding platform, GiveSendGo, to aid Wurzelbacher's family during his cancer fight. As of Monday, it had collected $135,234.
During 2008, Joe Wurzelbacher, then a plumbing business owner, gained national recognition after challenging Obama at a campaign function in Toledo, Ohio. He critiqued the Democratic presidential candidate's tax strategy, suggesting it opposed the American dream. In response, Obama explained that his plan aimed to foster faster growth for small businesses.
The late John McCain, who was then the Republican presidential nominee and a former U.S. senator from Arizona, invoked "Joe The Plumber" in his campaign and later invited Wurzelbacher to accompany him on the campaign trail.
During the presidential debate on Oct. 15, 2008, between Obama and McCain, Wurzelbacher's name was mentioned over a dozen times. Later, in 2012, Wurzelbacher made an unsuccessful attempt to unseat the sitting Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. He leaves behind his wife and children.
Trending Political News
Bankrupt Retail Chain Comes Back With New Plan, Incredibly Cheap Prices
Overstock.com, the purchaser of the intellectual property assets of the bankrupt retailer Bed Bath & Beyond for $21.5 million, has triumphantly reinstated the brand in the United States as BedBathandBeyond.com, according to CEO Jonathan Johnson. He expressed that the brand, despite its financial issues, is still cherished and emblematic.
Johnson highlighted that the newly rejuvenated online store boasts 600,000 fresh products, predominantly branded items in the kitchen, bed, and bath sectors, and they're more affordable than before.
Taco Bell Under Scrutiny Due to Popular New Items in New Lawsuit
Taco Bell is facing accusations in a lawsuit of misleading advertising for numerous items on their menu.
The legal action asserts that the fast-food giant violated two provisions of the New York General Business Law through their promotions for three variants of Crunchwrap and two Mexican Pizza variations. The plaintiffs argue that the ads greatly exaggerate, by "at least double", the actual ingredient quantities in these products. This class-action lawsuit was filed by the lawyers representing the plaintiff on Monday.
Bad News for Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau
The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and his spouse, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, are parting ways, as revealed by Trudeau himself via his Instagram account on Wednesday.
In Trudeau's words, following "many meaningful and difficult conversations" with Sophie, they have "made the decision to separate."
Famous Actress Celebrates Her 50th in Playboy Bunny Suit
Renowned actress Kate Beckinsale showcased her fit figure as she celebrated her 50th birthday in a Playboy bunny ensemble.
The star of "Serendipity" adorned herself in a traditional black sequined bunny bodysuit, complete with matching ears, while her outfit was complemented by a pair of heart-shaped earrings. Adding to the allure, she sported fishnets and high heels for the picture, posing next to two friends who were similarly dressed in bunny outfits.
Former NFL Linebacker Shreds Colin Kaepernick's Latest NFL Comeback Attempt
Last week, Colin Kaepernick shared a video highlighting his sustained effort to return to the NFL, which met with mixed reactions from various personalities associated with the league.
Terence Garvin, an NFL linebacker from 2013 to 2018, had a noteworthy career playing for teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers.
UFC Fighter Goes Viral With See-Through Outfit on Instagram
In her recent Instagram update, Polyana Viana made a powerful statement both as a combatant in the octagon and a social media influencer.
Despite being a fighter hailing from Brazil with close to 725,000 followers on Instagram, Viana is not yet a household name among many fans. However, the trend appears to be shifting.
Leave a Reply