Joseph Jon Mitley

Joey Mitley passed away on March 31, 2026, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was 37 years old. Born on February 7, 1989, in La Crosse, Joey was a hometown guy through and through. His passing was sudden and believed to be a cardiac arrest, and leaves a tremendous void in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him. 

Joey was, to put it simply, the coolest. Seriously. The Coolest. Not in a trying-too-hard way, but in the way that made people gravitate toward him without quite understanding why. He was effortlessly charismatic, wildly funny, and had the rare ability to light up every room he walked into. Whether he was cracking jokes, sharing stories, or just being himself, Joey left an impression on everyone he met. You didn't forget Joey Mitley.

Professionally, Joey worked a variety of jobs bringing good vibes to the many people he served across the community. But his true passions ran deeper and more wonderful than any job title could capture. Joey was an exotic reptile enthusiast with a particular and legendary dedication to Leeches. He built what those close to him affectionately called The Leeche Empire, participating in reptile expos and educating anyone willing to listen about the fascinating world of reptiles. This passion began at the age of 10 when his dad bought him his first snake. With enthusiasm from his dad Joey, was able to learn and explore this passion. His Leeche Empire will be carried on by his cousin Tyler, ensuring Joey's unique legacy lives on. 

Joey was a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur with strong opinions and impeccable taste. He was a devoted dog dad to his beloved Luna. He was a fixture at music festivals, where he could lose himself in the sound and the crowd and the moment. He loved spending time at the boathouse and was a true river rat. More than anything, Joey cherished the people in his life, his cousins, aunts and uncles, his friends, and his family, who meant the world to him.

He was a good son, a good brother, a good cousin. That sounds simple, but anyone who knew him understood it was everything.

Joey is survived by his loving parents, Larry Mitley and Sue Ann Davis-Mitley; his BEAUTIFUL (and single) sisters, Molly Mitley, Ahna Mitley, his Uncle Jay Davis, and a wide circle of cousins, friends, and chosen family who will carry his memory forward with laughter and love. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Lee Mitley.

A celebration of Joey's life will be held at South Lanes Pizza in The Village Shopping Center on Monday, April 6th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It felt only right to gather in a place that honors his love of great pizza and good company. Come as you are, share a story, and raise a slice to a guy who made this world a whole lot more fun while he was in it.