A conservative activist who gained notoriety in 2008 for challenging then-candidate for president Barack Obama on the campaign trail has passed away at the age of 49.
Joe the Plumber, also known as Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, passed away on Monday morning, a few months after being told he had pancreatic cancer in July.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Wurzelbacher’s wife, Katie, said, “Our hearts are broken.”
A cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away. He had a profound effect on numerous lives.
“Joe was already known as ‘Joe the Plumber’ when I first met him, but he wrote something to me that stood out and revealed who he really was: ‘just Joe.’
After being thrust into the spotlight for posing a question, “he was an average, honorable man trying to do great things for the country he loved so deeply,” Katie said.
The bereaved wife continued, “My heart goes out to everyone whose lives are affected by cancer.
“There are a lot of ups and downs, but we made an effort to enjoy each day.
“He battled long and hard, but is now pain-free. He is not in my opinion losing the battle. His struggle was won because he was aware of Jesus.
Joe’s dying wish was for us to return to my family. He gave me a big smile on the first night I was here and said, “We made it.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us and will continue to do so. You contributed to Joe’s finding peace, and I will always be appreciative of that.
Plumber Wurzelbacher gained national attention in 2008 when, in front of a throng of reporters, he confronted Obama while the candidate was campaigning in Toledo, Ohio.
He claimed that the American Dream was at odds with the presidential candidate’s suggested tax policy.
Obama was questioned by a small business owner about how his new tax policy would affect taxpayers who make more than $250,000.
“I’m getting ready to purchase a business that has an annual revenue of about $250, 270,000 dollars. Isn’t it true that your new tax plan will tax me more? asked Obama a composed Wurzelbacher.
In response to Wurzelbacher, the Democratic candidate claimed that his proposal would enable small businesses like his plumbing firm to expand more quickly.
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