MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Joe the Plumber dead at 49: Man who went viral for questioning Obama once called for a 'White president'

The late Joseph Wurzelbacher married his wife in October 2011 after meeting each other 'through his political involvement'

TOLEDO, OHIO: Joseph Wurzelbacher, more famously known as Joe the Plumber, lost his life to cancer on August 27. He leaves behind his wife Katie Schanen, and their four children.

Wurzelbacher became famous after he questioned Barack Obama during his 2008 campaign.

Wurzelbacher had also reportedly once re-shared a quote by conservative blogger Kevin Jackson that read, "Wanting a White Republican president doesn't make you racist, it just makes you American."

When did 'Joe the Plumber' get married?

Wurzelbacher and Katie Schanen tied the knot in October 2011 after meeting each other “through his political involvement”. At the time, Politico’s Morning Score said, “They look forward to a long and happy life together in Joe's hometown of Holland, OH.”

“As Mr. Wurzelbacher contemplates running for Congress in Ohio's Ninth Congressional District, Katie says she will support whatever decision he makes,” it added.

How did Joe the Plumber die?

The 49-year-old man was suffering from pancreatic cancer. His death was first announced by his friend, the Daily Mail reported.

Derek Hunter shared the news via Twitter while also posting a link to a fundraiser, Givesendgo.

He penned, “Horrible news. My good friend Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, passed away this morning at the age of 49 from pancreatic cancer.”

“He was a good man and an exceptional friend. Please consider helping his widow and young children here,” Hunter added.

What did Joe the Plumber's family say?

Wurzelbacher’s Katie also reportedly released a statement, saying, “Our hearts are broken.”

She went on to mention, “When I met Joe he was already known by everyone else as ‘Joe the Plumber’ but he wrote something to me that stood out and showed me who he truly was: ‘just Joe.’”

“He was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply after being thrust into the public eye for asking a question,” she stated.

The wife of the late Wurzelbacher also added, “He fought long and hard but is now free from pain. I don’t think of him as losing his battle. Because he knew Jesus, his battle was won.”

Tributes pour in for 'Joe the Plumber'

Meanwhile, several people paid tribute to Wurzelbacher. A Twitter user wrote, “‘...May the Angels be your guide, may they lead thee into Paradise, and take you Home, to the new Jerusalem…’ Rest in perfect peace, Joe.”

The second user shared, “Joe the Plumber became the ‘every man’ that we all could relate and empathize with. His innocent questioning of policies hurting the middle class were our questions and concerns too. God be good to you, Joe the Plumber.”

The third user said, “Gone too soon & leaving such a young family. 💔 my sincerest condolences. Heaven just got a good one. RIP Joe.” “I’m so sad to learn of his death. God bless him, his family, and his friends,” the fourth one added.