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Joseph Michael Vanek

FUNERAL HOME

Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel

567 South Spring Road

Elmhurst, Illinois

Joseph Vanek Obituary

Sgt. Joseph Michael Vanek, 22, of Elmhurst, was killed in action Nov. 11 in Iraq, dear son of Frank and Jan; brother of Anne; grandson of William and Georgia Barrett; nephew and cousin of many. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, NC and a 2003 graduate of York High School. Visitation at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday. Mass 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 at Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur, Elmhurst. Interment St. Mary Cemetery, Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated for the Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD, 20852. Info, 630-834-3515 or

www.ahlgrim.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Vanek

41 Entries

Peggy Childers

November 12, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek:
Please accept my remembrance of Joseph on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

November 12, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek:
Remembering Joseph on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Mark Scholze

May 30, 2010

Sgt. Vanek,
You are not forgotten. Thank you for your service. You are in our prayers.

Kenna Larra

December 8, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of Joseph ~ (Debra Estep)

November 20, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.

The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Joseph, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

November 18, 2008

To the family of Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek:
Joseph gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

101st Airborne Oregon Chapter

November 12, 2008

Paratrooper's Prayer
Kind Heavenly Father, our Great God who invites "Follow Me"
May we with Stalwart hearts declare
Thee Lord of all.
We ask Thy Holy Blessing to rest upon all paratroopers who are on the path to secure and sustain peace.
May we be ready at all times to boldly stand up for Thy truth and ways and be steadfastly hooked up to Thy Law and Gospel.
May a primary part of our equipment be a confident faith in
Thee as we stand in the door of all missions in life.
May the canopy of Thy love shield and keep us now and forever.
We go in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.

My nephew was also 2/325 82nd
Iraq - 2003-2 tours.

November 11, 2008

Happy Veterans Day Joe. We will never forget you, no matter how many years pass.

Pastor Frank Noyes

September 18, 2008

Dear Family of Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.

Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

July 5, 2008

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Vanek and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

July 5, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Vanek!

Suzanne MacDaniel

July 4, 2008

To the Vanek family,

Thinking of all our soldiers today.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Emily Toro

June 13, 2008

Hello, My name is Emily and I'm the mother of a fallen soldier by the name of Pvt. Isaac T. Cortes KIA on Nov 27, 2007 in Iraq. My condolences to you and your family for your lost. I wanted to share with you about a wall in Chicago where they are adding the names of fallen soldiers who have died in the war. I will be heading to Chicago next week for the reading of names and Joseph will be one of the names I will have the honor of reading. Peace be with you and God Bless..

Diane Pippen

May 22, 2008

To the family and friends of Sgt. Joseph Vanek...I just wanted to let you know that Sgt. Vanek is in my thoughts and prayers this Memorial Day Week. I hope it is of some comfort to know that even perfect strangers hold a special place in their heart for this brave warrior who gave all for his country. I know your hearts must ache still, but, I carry his memory with you and remind people every day of the heroes we have lost to war. I have a bracelet with his name on it (HeroBracelets.org) and I wear it every day. God bless you all and for Sgt. Vanek - you are forever honored and loved.

Bill M

April 3, 2008

Dear Joe or Joey as my spouse Sophie would call you,
It has been more than a couple of months and we still can't believe that you're gone. You were supposed to meet our newborn son when you came back to Elmhurst but never got the chance. About a couple of weeks after you passed, our son fell asleep in his swing as normal. We woke up in the middle of the night to our son laughing hysterically, and we found him not only laying underneath the swing, but with his blanket sprawled out under him like someone was playing with him and decided to put him down. We like to think that you came for a visit with little Gabe, and you're more than welcome to stop by anytime you want. I think of you and your family daily and when my son grows up, I will tell him who his daddy's hero is- YOU.

Anne Vanek

March 23, 2008

Joe:
My little brother..my hero...and one of my best friends I miss you every day and I pray that you give me the strength to get through this. It is Easter and evry holiday does not seem the same without you. I can not tell you how much I miss you in words but I know at night when I lay in bed you comfort me and I know that some day we will meet again. I love you kid...talk to you soon.
Anne

Jennifer Hesser

March 10, 2008

I met Joseph the weekend before his last deployment. He was a beautiful person with abundant passion and heart - even just knowing him briefly, I will not forget him. My thoughts are with Joseph's family and my prayers as well...

elizabeth zahller

December 19, 2007

Dear loved ones, Although we have never met its important that you know Americans care and grieve for your bright shinning star. Joseph is a hero and he will always be His bravery and commitment to his country so all americans can remain free is what makes our country strong and free. God bless you sweet braveheart. Sincerely, Elizabeth Zahller soldier angels support team

MEGAN MCNAMARA

December 18, 2007

JOE I MISS U WITH ALL MY HEART AND THINK OF U AND ALL THE BOYS EACH DAY. U R TRULY MISSED AND NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE U JOEY

Christie Coston

December 14, 2007

Joseph had such a great heart and died a hero. I will never forget him and how much he truely touched my heart. I have the utmost sympathy for his close friends and family and wish I could have shown my respect at the funeral service. I will heart you forever Joseph.

shawnee (Austin, TX)

December 5, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one.

He is an American hero and will not be forgotten.
.

Brittany

November 28, 2007

To the family of Joe Vanek:

I am so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine what your family is going through. I myself serve in the United States Air Force and know what it's like to serve for your country. It's a very honorable thing for someone to do. I was also a classmate of Joe's and knew him to have such a great sence of humor. I will always remember that about him. Your family is in my prayers.

God Bless

Jeffrey Forte

November 25, 2007

Frank and Family,

I was so saddened to hear of Joe's passing on the news. Joe and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

LINDA CANO

November 22, 2007

May God comfort you at the loss of Joseph, an American Hero. My gratitude for his sacrifice to our security and freedom is immeasurable.

Celina Sumner

November 21, 2007

Dear Vanek family,
I am so sorry for your inconsolable loss.
You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Joe grew up to be a very handsome and brave young man. He gave so much to the world in his short life.
When you feel alone, remember that he is by your side and will forever be your guardian angel.
I am lucky to have known him.
He will not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace Sgt. Joe Vanek.

William Morrison

November 21, 2007

Sgt. Joe Vanek, you are in my prayers along with all of your buddies in the 82nd A/B. I was your age when I landed in Normandy in 1944. May God be with all of you heroes in Iraq.
William Morrison, WWII vet

Merritt Hinkle

November 21, 2007

I am so sad to hear about your son. I was in his platoon as a squad leader and served with Vanek in his first tour. He was a great soldier and a good friend. He will be missed by so many who have had the privilege of calling him a friend.

Ava Tomson

November 21, 2007

We know your pain and are praying for your family. God Bless.
We lost our son SPC Lucas Starcevich in April of this year.

November 20, 2007

In this season of giving thanks...I would like to thank Joseph for making the ultimate sacrifice. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Your family and friends will remain in my prayers.

Mary McHugh

November 20, 2007

May you be filled with peace, knowing that your son is a true Hero. My condolences to your family on your loss. May God bless you and help you thru this time of your life.

Wayne Gru

November 19, 2007

We want to extend our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your son. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Wayne and Susan Gru, Crystal Lake, IL

Kay Pankau

November 18, 2007

Jan and Family,

I was so sorry to learn of your brave and dear son's death in Iraq. My heart goes out to you and all families who have experienced this kind of tremendous loss. Please know you have my deepest sympathies and prayers.

Jean Aubin

November 17, 2007

To the Vanek Family
Our hearts go out to all of you. I remember Joe as a beautiful baby when Suzanne and Anne were in Kindergarten. My prayers are with you
With our deepest sympathy,
Jean and John Aubin

Patricia Ritz

November 17, 2007

Dear Vanek Family,
My deepest condolences for the loss of Joseph, a true hero. I only know of you and Joseph through Maureen Keady in Boston because of the "Have a Heart" fund-raiser for the 82nd, but have always felt a special connection to those young heroes. I have one son, and can only begin to imagine your grief. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda Wilkie

November 16, 2007

I am the secretary at Emerson School where Joe went to grades K-5. He was a great boy in elementary school and grew to be a fine young man. My prayers are with you and your family.

Duchaine Family

November 16, 2007

God Bless you, Vanek family, for raising such a fine, young man who would risk his life for our country. You must be very proud. We do not know you, but nonetheless, send our sincerest condolences for the loss of your beloved son.

Barb and Ted Kawa

November 16, 2007

We are praying for you during this most painful time. We understand what it's like to have a family member serving in a combat zone. May God give you peace during this time

Mr.& Mrs. Vechiola

November 16, 2007

Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Joe Vanek. Thank you for your service. God bless and be with your family during this very difficult time.

Tom and Linda (Florence) Kordewick

November 16, 2007

Tom and I were extremely saddened to hear the news of your son's passing. Please know that we hold you all in our hearts and prayers.

Fran Cichon, BP Amoco

November 14, 2007

Jan,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your son. I will keep him and all of your family in my prayers.

Charles Pacelli

November 14, 2007

My heart goes out to your family. My son Anthony is currently serving in Iraq. I am so proud of these kids serving our country. They help all of us to wake up tomorrow pretty much the same way we woke up today...safe. May God bless you for raising such a fine boy.

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