Joseph "Joe" Linnane, 79, of De Pere died unexpectedly Saturday morning January 24, 2009. The son of the late Dan and Molly (Daley) Linnane was born November 15, 1929 in Wayside, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married the former Jean Collaer at St. Joseph Church, Green Bay, July 17, 1954, and they were married 44 years. She preceded him in death January 23, 1998. Joe worked for Wisconsin Telephone Company, Ma Bell and then AT&T for 38 years. After retiring, he worked for five years for Frontier Golf Course, which is now Twin Oaks. He was a past coach and commissioner of Babe Ruth baseball and enjoyed watching many other sports. He enjoyed his daily walks, gardening and golfing. Survivors include four children and their spouses, Jody (Don) Rogatzki, Wausau; Dan (Chris) Linnane, Green Bay; Pat (Debbie) Linnane, De Pere; Vicki (Mike) Henry, Poynette, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Jana Kidd, Molly, Joe, Abby Linnane; and one sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Jim Franken, De Pere. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Ellen Swan, Beatrice Martin, and Margie Barkelar. Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St., De Pere on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. Parish prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will continue after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere until time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Father David Duffeck officiating. Entombment in Allouez Catholic Mausoleum. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Linnane family.