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10610 Manchester Rd.

Kirkwood, Missouri

Joel Huelsmann Obituary

Huelsmann, Major Joel William, U.S. Army Fortified With The Sacraments Of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Born April 29, 1976 in Seoul, South Korea. Loving son of Nancy and Ronald Huelsmann. Dear twin brother of Jeremy Huelsmann and brother-in-law to Julia Brondz Huelsmann. Beloved Uncle Joel to Riley Evan and Tanner Ethan Huelsmann. Dearest grandson of Marie Huelsmann and the late Teresa Lester and Edwin Huelsmann. Loving nephew of Mary Jane Huelsmann and Ann Marie Ward. Dearest friend to many. Joel was a 1994 graduate of St. Louis Priory and the recipient of the Koman-Wilman and Bakewell awards in 1993 and 1994 respectively. All Conference ABC football, and Student Council officer. Laus Tibi Domini. Joel earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Vanderbilt University in 1998 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on May 8, 1998. Served tours of duty in the Sinai in 1999-2000 as part of a UN peacekeeping initiative. Iraq in 2003- 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom where Joel earned the Bronze Star and coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge. Joel then commanded an Infantry Company in the Horn of Africa in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Joel was selected to join the Army War Plans Division at the Pentagon. Our Wounded Warrior who knew pain and the enemy he courageously battled for the last two years. He was Army Strong! A special thank you to the doctors and the loving nurses and staff at University of Chicago Medical Center; to the doctors and staff at St. Louis University Medical Center; to the Oncologist and nurses at Barnes Siteman Cancer Center; and to BJC hospice for the loving care during Joel's last days on this earth. Thanks to our family, friends, and parishioners for their support. And especially thanks to the United States Army for their support throughout Joel's illness. Don't forget to thank a soldier¢$º I am that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love. I have cried, hoped and pained but most of all I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I'll be able to say I was proud of what I was¢$º¢$ºa Soldier! Services: Funeral Saturday, March 3, 12:15 p.m. from BOPP Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd. Kirkwood to St. Anselm at the Priory, 530 South Mason Rd. for 1:00 p.m. Mass. Interment on Monday March 5, 9:15am from Bopp Chapel to National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks for a 10:00am Committal Service. Visitation Friday 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to St. Louis Priory School Scholarship Fund. www.boppchapel.com

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

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Huelsmann

Not sure what to say?





Ralph & Donna Korte

February 23, 2019

Joel was a fine youn man taken from fu way to soon.

March 14, 2012

I am so sorry to learn of Joel's passing. You all did a wonderful job of caring for him during his illness and I feel very lucky to have met all of you over the past year. My prayers are with you all.

Sandi
SSM HOMECARE

Cathy and Marc LeCocq

March 11, 2012

I can remember when we found out as children that Ron and Nancy were bringing home twin boys from Korea! We were soo excited. My siblings and I had recently spent a few days with them while our parents were out of town. We had such a great time, visiting the farm and spending time with these soon to be parents. What an amazing job you both did, with the boys and the rest of us. You have all been so strong thru this and even though we could not be home to express our love and condolences, our thoughts have been with you through it all. Joel, you will be missed, but God will lovingly welcome you to his army, and we will meet again.

Bryan Larimer

March 8, 2012

It was a bummer when I heard about Joel. Joel and I played on the offensive line at Priory. We had a grand old time blocking for All American running back Ken Berry. Thank for the memories Joel. My heart goes out to Jeremy and Mr. and Mrs. Huelsman.

March 7, 2012

I was looking for the obits of two friends and saw the one of Joel.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. He is now in a better place and free from pain. I'll remember you in my prayers.
Betty (Ray) Carpenter

SSG FORBIS

March 7, 2012

SEMPER PARATUS Iron Rangers don't Die They get called to a better duty.

the nurses from 3200

March 6, 2012

Joel was a wonderful person and brave patient. It was a pleasure to know him and care for him. He will be sorely missed.

Carol Yakstis

March 6, 2012

You dont know me but I would like to say thank you Joel for all you have done for our country.

sally denton

March 5, 2012

Ron, Nancy and Jeremy,
Joel was such a kind, sweet man from the first moment I met him - in spite of the agony he was going through. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet him and all of you. Your family has truly touched my heart. Joel defines what a hero truly is. My love and prayers go out to you.

Douglas Diemer

March 5, 2012

Dear Ron, Nancy, and Jeremy,

I have not thought of Joel in years and some of my memories of him are very faint. Having read the words written about Joel I cannot help but recollect where and how I knew him best. They are from the days gone by where we see ouselves as something perhaps better than we were. Times of heroics and triumphs. Some, as Joel has, step beyond and become something more real, something more determined and disciplined, something braver and it makes someone who did not necessarily know him that well very proud to know him. I remember him intelligent, steady, and almost stoic. I read what it takes to earn a Bronze Star and the CIB and found myself inspired and saddened that a man of honor and Grace would be called Home far too soon and impressed by what can be and was done in such a short stay. He has touched lives in some of the deepest and most profound ways. May God be with you all and may the pain pain of his passing be lightened by the life that he lived.

With great regard and sincerity,
Douglas Diemer

Ken Varel

March 5, 2012

Ron & Nancy,

So sorry for your loss. I was out of town last week and I just heard the news. What a great role model for our youth. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Your deepest sympathy from everyone here at Ameren.

March 4, 2012

Ron and Nancy & Jermey, we are so sorry for your loss and wish we had been there yesterday for the service I am sure it was impressive and emotional.A fitting way to say a final farwell to a real hero. Joel went through so much so that you would be ready to leave him go and be at peace and out of his pain. Our prayers are with all of you. Uncle Ralph and Aunt Donna

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

March 4, 2012

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Joel William Huelsmann our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Joel. And to Joel it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom while serving in the U.S. Army. Joel, you are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Joel's family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Peggy Shea Smetana

March 3, 2012

Thank you, Joel, for keeping us safe and free. May we live in such a manner as to deserve that safety and freedom. Please pray for us from heaven. Peggy Shea Smetana

Jeanne Parker

March 3, 2012

What a wonderful example of a hero...thank you Joel for keeping America protected from harm...You gave unselfishly of yourself! Blessings to your family who are in emotional pain with your loss. My prayers are with you all.

Jeanne Parker

March 3, 2012

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY....

Brian Grammer

March 2, 2012

To the Huelsmanns,
I got to know Joel through Jeremy when we worked together at Sara Lee. He was a happy, fun person to be around and he had a personality that drew others to want to be around him.

When I moved on to work for the Human Resources Command of the U.S. Army, I continually kept an ear out to hear of Joel's next assignment after his tour at the Pentagon. It wasn't soon after that I learned through Jeremy of Joel's illness. I knew that he would battle until to the very end.

My sympathies on the loss of your son. The world lost a good man. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. The Grammers

Jason Miller

March 2, 2012

Sir,

It was an honor to serve with you for 2 deployments and to be one of your Platoon Sergeants!! You will be sorely missed. See you on the other side!

First Sergeant Jason Miller

March 2, 2012

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your fine young man. We thank you for your service

March 2, 2012

Ron and Nancy,
Sharon and I want to express our sincere sympathy for the loss of your son, What a fine man he was, a son and a patriot. You will see him again and there will be no wars or sadness. Allen & Sharon Fitch

March 2, 2012

A man of wisdom, A leader of soldiers, and a great Commander. You will be missed Attack 6. Rest assured he already has the angels lined up for inspection, and his welcome home!!
Salute!
Kegley, Joshua L.
Formerly Attack 6G

March 2, 2012

"Joel was an extraordinary and brave person till the very end.
It was an honor having him in our family.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With heartfelt sympathies,
The Kantorovich family."

March 2, 2012

Nancy, Ron, Jeremy, Julia, Riley, Tanner, and Grandma Marie - we have and will continue to offer our prayers and Masses for your entire family; your Joel was God's gift and He has brought him home.
The Voegele's

March 1, 2012

God has his loving arms wrapped around this courageous warrior. I salute you.
A veteran

Tim McKay

March 1, 2012

I have fond memories of Joel from our time at Priory. He was always nice to me even though I was two years below him in school. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

March 1, 2012

Laus Tibi Domine - Rest in Peace

Subo & Anna Liao

March 1, 2012

Dear Ron and Nancy,

We were so sorry to hear of Joel's death. Joel was a very nice neighbor, a model of young people, and a hero of this country. We shall miss him. Please accept our deepest sympathy. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

With sincere feelings,

Henryk Zaleski

March 1, 2012

Rest in peace.

Brian Grass

March 1, 2012

Jeremy, Mr. and Mrs. Huelsmann,

My deepest condolences on your loss. I will always remember Joel as a good friend and teammate growing up. While we drifted apart as we grew I am honored to have been a small part of his life after reading all that he accomplished in such a short time. He is a true hero, patriot and loss to a greatful nation.

Joel, thank you for your service.

Clara Gongaware

March 1, 2012

Dear Nancy and Ron, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and hold you in this time of sorrow. We will never forget Major Joel! Clara, Cathy and kim.

Dominica Basinger

March 1, 2012

Ron & Nancy, Our very dear friends.

Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the loss of your precious Joel. We think of the night we waited at the airport to welcome your babies home. You have been wonderful parents and I know that Joel had to feel so loved for all that you have done to give him a wonderful life, and all that you did to stay by his side these past 2 years.
May god bless you Ron, Nancy and Jeremy as you go through this difficult time.

We love you.
Dominica & Don

Michael and Susan Kramer

March 1, 2012

May God bless you and may His countenance shine on all of you and bring peace.With love in Christ.

March 1, 2012

Ron & Nancy, I have been following your journey and want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joel was such a wonderful man. I will never forget his sweet, kind, face. "Aunt" Pam DuVall

March 1, 2012

What an accomplished young man he was . We are so very sorry and hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Karen and Paul Litzsinger

martin bachelier

March 1, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go to the Huelsmann family. You have every right to be so proud of such a patriot. Again, our condolences.

Peter Beugg

March 1, 2012

I have such fond memories of Joel. My condolences to the Huelsmann family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Wayne Beugg

March 1, 2012

Ron and Nancy,
The Priory Rebel cowbells are ringing Joel into Heaven now. My deepest sympathy...

Karen Schmidt

March 1, 2012

Ron, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time.

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