Joseph Andrew “Joe” Couse, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away on July 31, 2025, at Chi Health Bergan Mercy in Omaha, NE, at the age of 47. He was born on September 7, 1977, to John and Barbara (Hollar) Couse in Plainville, KS.
Joe grew up in the Osborne area and graduated from Osborne High School with the Class of 1996. On February 29, 2008, he married Bethany Pruett in WaKeeney, Kansas. They made their home in Stockton and built a beautiful life and family together.
A hard worker through and through, Joe drove trucks for Unruh Trucking Company. When he wasn’t on the road, you could find him doing what he loved most—racing, golfing, and spending time with his family. He was almost always with his girls, whether they were helping him work on trucks, casting lines on fishing trips, golfing, or cheering at the races. He also cherished time on the farm, where he worked cattle with his dad, brothers, and his girls—who weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and pitch in. Of course, when the brothers were together, things were never too serious—there was always some joking around, and more than once, they got a laugh out of zapping each other with the cattle prod.
Joe is survived by his wife, Bethany Couse of the home in Stockton; his mother, Barbara Couse of Stockton; his children: Katlyn, Brooklyn, and Rylie Couse of Stockton, and Shelby Sutter of Plainville; step-daughters: Shelby (Brian) Kruger of Colby, Harli (John Arnold) of Plainville, and Amber (Jacob) Booth of Hays. He is also survived by his siblings: Cindy (Kim) Westburg of Wausau, WI; Catherine (Mike) Klein of Plainville; Barb (Max) Balthazor of Palco, Jacci (Don) Lawver of Olathe; Jessica (Rod) Quanz of Glade; Jennifer Gaines of Wichita; Janell Belles of Plainville; Christina Couse of Hays; John (Lisa) Couse of Plainville; James (Tonia) Couse of Palco; Justin (Darcy) Couse of Lucas; Jerrod (Sara) Couse of Palco; and Jeremy Couse of Plainville; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Couse; brother, Jason Couse; grandparents; nephews, Titan and A.J.; and brother-in-law, Dan Christiansen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, KS. Visitation will be on Tuesday, 5-8PM at the funeral home in Plainville.
Memorials are suggested to Joe Couse Memorial Fund (for his girls) and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.