Joe Nathan Golden

Joe Nathan Golden, age 60, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at his home following a 22 year battle with kidney disease. He was born in Racine, WI, May 19, 1965, son of the late Nathaniel and Annie Jewel (Nee: Wheeler) Golden. Joe graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1983”. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1988 – 2011. While stationed in Ohio, he met the love of his life, Paris A. Nickerson; and on January 25, 1992 they were united in marriage. Their bond of love brought two children into this world, their son Joe II, and daughter Corian.

After 23.5 years of service in the Air Force, he retired in 2011. And through Joe’s life journey, he has always been surrounded by love, laughter, and support. Joe’s number one interest and what was most important to him was spending quality time with family and friends! Joe has a long list of childhood friends whose bond has remained solid. And during his military career, he established many bonds that turned into strong and sincere friendships to include quite a few that adopted him as Papa Joe or well known as Pop’s.

Joe and Paris moved back to Wisconsin in 2020 to be close to family and they made their home in Greenfield. Joe’s passion was cooking and throughout the years he enjoyed bowling, golf, traveling, and having an enormous passion for styling in hats and watches. Joe will be remembered as one who could always strike up a conversation with a friend or a complete stranger. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed putting a smile on anyone’s face. Above all it was the time spent with his family that he treasured most. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Paris; son, Joe II (Porsha) Golden; daughter, Corian Golden; granddaughter, Rose Quartz Golden; siblings, Larry (Aredda) Golden, Wardell Golden, Dorothy Greer, Johnnie (Denise) Pierce; in-laws, Travor Nickerson, Stacey Nickerson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Linda Kay Knight, Calvin Greer, Norman Golden; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Golden.

A Homegoing service will be celebrated at the Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St. Racine, WI. on Monday, March 30, 2026, 9 am with Elder Ray McNeal officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at 11 am Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 8-9 am

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all that showered Joe’s family with loving thoughts and prayers.

In honor of a great man, the family would like to share some Last Words of Love:

“GPOP, that’s my boy! Love you, GPOP!!” Forever, Rose Quartz Golden

“We held each other until death did us part!” Forever My Love, Paris

“We may have lost our Roll Dog, but the Heavens gained a Big Dawg!” My Salute to you Dad, your daughter Cori

“I AM the prince of all Saiyans, and you will always be KING!” Love you, Dad! JoeJoe

“It’s your grandadddyyyyyy!” Love, Porsha

“You’re up there with your big brothers…try to keep them in line!” Love you always! Your Sis, Dot

“My Uncle Joe is the best big brother I never had!” Love, Calvin

“God blessed me with you, not just as my uncle but as a big brother in love, always there for me and my family!” Love you, Rachel (Rai)

“Your leadership in our family will forever remain legendary. Your legacy will live on through us.” Love, Raquel

“You were surely your brothers’ keeper – thank you for your service, and love Unc!” Norman II

“Unk, it was an honor being your chick magnet as a child LOL; and tough seeing you go to the Military, but even tougher not being able to talk to you again!” Love and Miss you! Corey

“You always stood in the gap for me! I’m gone miss you.” Latoria

“There for all the moments that shaped me, your light and laughter stay with me always!” I love you forever - Monty

“You weren’t just our Uncle--you were a huge part of our childhood, our laughter, and our happiest memories! And we will carry that love and those moments with us forever.” Destinee and Danielle

“Beautiful memories, dearer than gold of an Uncle whose worth can never be told!” Toccara