Joseph Platz, 88, of Sigel, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sigel, with burial in the St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Memorial donations may be given to St. Michael School or to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.

Joe was born on March 24, 1938 to Franklin and Margaret (Walk) Platz. He was a 1956 graduate of Teutopolis High School. He married the love of his life, Karen Stuckey on October 21, 1961. They would have been married for 65 years this year.

Joe was a lifelong member of St. Michael Catholic Church and a devoted dairy farmer whose strong work ethic and dedication to agriculture defined his life. He spent his entire life farming, taking great pride in caring for his Holstein cattle. His love for the dairy industry extended beyond the farm as a member of the Illinois Holstein Association, where he enjoyed promoting and supporting the Holstein breed.

Showing cattle was one of Joe's greatest passions. Whether at local, state, or regional shows, he treasured the friendships, experiences, and memories made through exhibiting cattle and sharing his knowledge with others. His commitment to agriculture and the dairy community earned him the respect of fellow farmers and friends throughout the area.

Above all, Joe was devoted to his family. He cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and especially his great grandchildren, and he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His quiet strength, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering faith will be remembered by all who knew him.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, neighbors, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Joe was an avid sports fan but especially loved his Teutopolis Wooden Shoes, Sigel St. Michael's Sharpshooters, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Karen; son, Michael (Susan) of Sigel; daughters, Lori Platz of Paxton, Tracy (Randy) Bloemer, and Julie (Troy) Butler, both of Sigel; grandkids, Tyler Platz, Alyssa Kessler, Bailey Meyer, Lindsay Platz, Amanda Tebbe, Kristen Walk, Mitch Bloemer, Madison DePoister, Clayton Butler, and Sydney Butler; great-grandchildren, Monroe, Coy, Callah, Allie, Lance, Luke, Blaire, TJ, Jase, Olivia, Raylan, Everett, Vayda, Evanie, Nina, Jemma, Lennon, Maren, Bristol, and baby #20 coming soon; sisters, Barbara Bierman and Carol (Phil) Hartke; brothers, Charlie (Pat), Gene, and Bernie; in-laws, Gloria (John) Platz, Debbie West, and Jim Stuckey.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary, and brother, John; in-laws, Jerry Bierman, Linda & Kenny Westjohn; Ken Stuckey, Gene Stuckey, and Mary (Jim) Stuckey.