The Papa Joe Golf Outing began in 2015 and honors “Papa” Joe Kloiber, the founder of Lakefront 7s.
Proceeds from the golf outing are donated to the Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.
When and Where
The Papa Joe Golf Outing is held at the Silver Spring Country Club located at N56 W21318 Silver Spring Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. Tee-time is usually between 11AM and 12 PM. In 2021, the outing was moved to August.
Cost to Play
The outing costs $110 for participants who register as individuals or $400 per foursome.
About Papa Joe Kloiber
Papa Joe Kloiber is a historic figure in Wisconsin’s rugby history.
In 1975 he formed the Westside Harlequins Rugby Football Club. He played for the club until 2006 — playing his last game at the age of 62 alongside 4 of his children — and managed as President until 2012. In 1982 he started the Lakefront 7s, one of the longest-running and largest rugby tournaments in the country.
Post-retirement, Papa Joe continued to be a positive influence for the sport by co-founding the Marquette University High School team.
In 2012, he was instrumental in the formation of the Milwaukee Barbarians Athletic Club. Even though the formation of the Barbarians meant that the Harlequins RFC has faded into the history books, Papa Joe felt this was necessary to form a larger club in Milwaukee that could compete in Division I at the National level.
Joe and Parkinson’s disease
In 2009, Papa Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This was a blow to him personally and to all who know him.
As the disease progressed, it has become difficult for him to talk and harder for him to walk, but he continued to attend rugby events regularly with his wife and caregiver Julie.
Papa Joe was also passionate about golf and in his younger years he would play 36 holes of golf every day of summer vacation.
In 2023, Joe lost his battle with the disease.