Joel N. Bredlau

Joel Norbert Bredlau, 70, of Viroqua passed away February 10, 2026 after a courageous battle with Melanoma. Joel was born February 15, 1955 to Harry “Pat” and Shirley Bredlau in Madison, WI.

Joel often shared fond memories of growing up on the University of Wisconsin farm that his family lived on and his father managed. There was never a dull moment, there was always an adventure to have! There were summers spent outdoors with the family dog and winter snowmobiling. His childhood became even sweeter when, after much pleading with his parents, he welcomed his little sister Beth into the family and was no longer an only child. Their bond was one that he cherished throughout his life.

On January 5, 1974, Joel married the love of his life, Roxanne (Schultz). Together they built a life centered on faith, love, and their three children. Joel was a devoted husband and father and grandfather who did his best to lead by example with patience and kindness. His three grandchildren held a very special place in his heart and he was immensely proud of each one of them. They lovingly called him “Just Grandpa” (not to be confused with great grandpa), a title that always brought a smile to his face. 

The one thing that brought Joel more joy than his family was his service to his God Jehovah. Joel was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on August 30, 1968 and remained faithful to his dedication throughout his life. He had deep love for people and found great happiness helping others learn about Jehovah and the Bible’s promise of a resurrection and paradise earth. A promise that sustained him throughout his battle with cancer.

Joel spent the majority of his working years working on cars, doing anything from general maintenance to pinstriping and even building conversion vans. After moving to Viroqua Joel worked at Nelson Agri-Center’s tire shop, sold and installed flooring for Seland’s Karpetland and closed out his employment days doing shipping at Organic Valley. Joel was known to be hard working and honest no matter what he was doing.

Joel is survived by his wife of 52 years Roxanne, his children, Damion (Lisa) Bredlau, Melissa (Dustin) Nichols, and Megan Bredlau; his cherished grandchildren, Ethan (Grace) Nichols, Madison (Justin) Lambert, and Ella Bredlau; his father Harry “Pat” Bredlau and sister Beth Bredlau, mother-in-law Darlene Schultz, along with his aunts, uncle, cousins and many in-laws. 

He was preceded in death by his Mother Shirley Bredlau and Father-in-Law Philip Schultz.

Family is holding a visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 1-3pm, followed by a funeral talk at 3pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at E7352 County Rd Y, Viroqua, WI 54665. A meal will be provided following the funeral talk at the Pedretti Party Barn located at S3426 Peterson Ln, Viroqua, WI 54665.

For those unable to attend in person, the funeral talk will be available to view live via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 83800970641
Password: Heb102425

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.