Joseph R. Branks, 86, passed away April 2, 2020 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center in Manitowoc.

Joe was born on September 10, 1933 in Janesville to the late Joseph O. and Clara (Hutton) Branks. He graduated from Janesville High School and then went on to obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Wisconsin Madison in 1958. Joe served in the United States Army as a Captain in Army Corp of Engineers. He was employed as an engineer for more than 25 years at Parker Pen in Janesville. Joe also worked at Amerock in Rockford, IL and retired from his professional engineering life while working for Kohler Company.  He loved spending time with his family and lived a life passionately engaged in his love for animals, gardening and nature in general.  A gifted and talented photographer, the images and compositions created by Joe reflect his values and perspectives, as well as his immense love for Juliette and those he cared for.

Survivors include Joe's wife, Juliette (Lukas) Branks; her daughter, Heidi (Charles) Grode, son, Tony (Nancy) Lukas, grandsons, Adam and Nate (Amanda) Lukas. He is also survived by his ex-wife Kay Henry Branks; his daughters Jenifer Branks and Amanda (Tom) Bolger, son Michael Branks, and his sister Joanne Evans. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert, and his nieces, Kay and Mary Branks.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Shady Lane for such wonderful care of Joseph and Juliette. Our family also wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Schuette family for their friendship and neighborly love for Joe and Juliette over these many years.