Joseph (Joe/Joey/Sticks) Moran, 65 of La Crosse, Wisconsin ended
his life on July 13, 2023, after losing his battle with mental health
illnesses. He was born on March 17, 1958, in West Hazleton,
Pennsylvania to William and Elizabeth (Rossi) Moran.
Joe grew up in West Hazleton where he began his musical journey as
a drummer when he was a toddler and also played baseball and
football during his youth.
He met his first wife Diane while on tour with his band and they both
settled down in her hometown of La Crosse in his mid 20s. Courtney,
his first daughter, was born in 1984 and he welcomed Anthony (Tony)
his son in 1990. Later, he met his second wife Brenda and welcomed
his second daughter Makayla in 1996.
Joe achieved his associate degree in printing and publishing and
worked at various print shops throughout Wisconsin. He ended his
career with DigiCopy in La Crosse in 2020 after working in the printing industry for 30 years.
Alongside his printing occupation, he had a musical career spanning 50 years starting in high school
playing with friends. He traveled throughout the United States and to Aruba playing the drums for Keri
Krossman & Co. and Seventh Heaven. He played in many local original bands and traveled across
the Midwest region with The Mystery Band, The Sweetwater Band, The Wails, Skeeter Louis and the
Stingers, Lisa Stange and the Third Shift Band, The Olson Dunn Band, The Fabulous Baloney Skins,
The Seven Ravens Band, and most recently Larry’s Drifters. One of his most favorite performances
was playing the drums for the Tina Turner tribute at Moon Tunes in La Crosse in August 2021.
When he wasn’t working or playing in the band, he loved fishing, rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers,
cooking his favorite Italian meals, supporting his fellow musician brothers and sisters, attending
concerts, listening to Paul McCartney and camping with his family. His musical talent, friendliness,
sense of humor and gentle spirit will be missed by all that knew him.
Joe is survived by his daughter Courtney (Jim) Cuta of La Crosse, son Tony of Onalaska, daughter
Makayla (Nathan) Gremminger of Sparta; brother William (Sherry) Moran of Nevada; sister Marie
(Jim Lamper) Moran and nephew/godson Jared Boock of Florida. He was preceded in death by his
parents and step-mother Lucille Moran, sister Barbara Moran, and brother Robert Moran.
A private gathering with immediate family will be held at a later date. Coulee Region Cremation Group
in Onalaska is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family encourages all to show
their support to local musicians in the areas they live and visit. Always remember, the drummer is the
backbone that ties the band together by laying down the foundation. The drummer provides the
heartbeat of the song and brings the groove to the track. The drummer opens the musical gate for the
rest of the band to creatively express themselves.