Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe the Plumber," has died at the age of 49 after battling pancreatic cancer, according to members of his family. Wurzelbacher gained national attention in 2008 when he confronted then-presidential candidate Barack Obama on the campaign trail, questioning his economic policies. Wurzelbacher's wife, Katie Wurzelbacher, described him as an average, honorable man who loved his country deeply. His oldest son, Joey Wurzelbacher, remembered his father as a man of faith who wanted a united America. Despite losing his bid for Ohio's 9th District in Congress in 2012, Wurzelbacher left a lasting impact on American politics. He became a symbol of the struggling middle class and was referenced numerous times during the October 15, 2008 presidential debate between Obama and Republican nominee John McCain. Wurzelbacher's family thanked everyone for their support and stated that his battle with cancer was now over. A fundraiser on the crowdfunding site GiveSendGo raised over $139,000 for his family during his illness.