Joseph M. Fassbender died peacefully October 25, 2002 at the age of 32 following a courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. The son of Bruce and Carolyn (Gritt) Fassbender was born November, 3, 1969 in Appleton. He attended Appleton Public schools, graduating from West High School Class of 1988.

On the day Joe died his family and three of his caring nurses had planned to leave for North Carolina Speedway at Rockingham for a NASCAR race which was being held on his birthday. Because Joe was completely bedridden he would be viewing the race lying on a gurney from a platform especially built for him. Plans were also made for Joe to meet his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Joe was in a wheelchair by the age of 10 but he never let his illness get in the way of enjoying life. His two brothers, Jim and Brian, friends and many nieces and nephews included him in everything. During the last four days of his life a steady stream of visitors came to see him. They were not allowed to enter his packed room unless they had a fun story to share. Many things came out that his parents were happy to have not known about at the time they happened.

Joe enjoyed every minute of his life to its fullest even during the many hard times when he was very sick and not expected to make it. His great sense of humor and way of dealing with adversity kept everyone who knew him at ease when they were in his company.

Besides being a NASCAR fan he enjoyed the Green Bay Packers and his room was full of memorabilia of his favorite player, Brett Favre. He once attended a closed practice of the Packers and talked with many of the players. It was the week of the Packer/Bear game and Joe had a ticket to watch the game from the sidelines on Sunday. Head coach at the time, Lindy Infante talked with Joe prior to the game and again after the game when he said Joe had brought the team luck (the Packers beat the Bears that day at Lambeau). In 2000 Joe showed off his Packer room when he was interviewed by channel 11 the day of the NFL draft.

Joe’s memory lives on as forty plus disabled sports persons enjoy the services of Beyond the Boundaries at Joe’s Lodge, Inc., a non-profit organization named for and started for Joe who wanted to deer hunt with his cousins back in the mid 80’s. The lodge is located on Hwy 47 just 2 ½ miles north of Black Creek on the Ed and Mary Gritt Farm. (Joe’s aunt and uncle). Beyond the Boundaries at Joe’s Lodge, Inc. is in need of volunteers and donations. Visit our web site at www.BeyondtheBoundaries.org. Joe's lodge provides countless opportunities to numerous people, that they might fulfill their lives with hobbies they are so emotionally connected with. You need not be a sports enthusiast to volunteer. There are opportunities for nature lovers, those who like to cook, are good with a hammer, enjoy fund raising, and “computer nerds” who could help with our website and promotional material and mailings. If you would like to tour our facility contact Bruce and Carolyn Fassbender at (920) 739-7021. Make donations in Joe’s memory payable to Beyond the Boundaries at Joe’s Lodge, Inc. (BTB) and mail to L.T. Brooks , Treasurer, 130 Barton Road , Oshkosh , WI 54904 . For those of you who need it for tax purposes our Certificate of Exempt Status # is 047647.