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Oliver Joseph Obituary

Oliver Joseph
Oliver Dee Joseph, 82, of Fairview Heights, Ill., born Aug. 30, 1927 in Belleville, Ill., died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at his residence.
Joseph's father, Oliver C. opened the family dealership on June 1, 1914. Oliver D. took over the business in 1958 - the day his son, Brad Joseph, was born. Another son, Oliver "Curt" Joseph, had served as general manager since the early 1980s until he succumbed to cancer at age 48 in 1998. Brad Joseph since then has been general manager of the dealership, which sells Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. The business which for years sold Dodge from a storefront on West Main Street in downtown Belleville, expanded to include Chrysler and earlier this year, added Jeep. It also has the distinction of being the oldest Chrysler/Dodge dealership in the nation. Oliver D. was well known to people across the region for greeting customers at the door of the dealership, personally answering the phones and appearing on the dealer's television ads that also featured a talking moose. Three years ago, the dealership built and relocated its inventory and vintage 1927 Pullman railroad car to a new showroom and lot on Illinois 15 after 92 years in downtown Belleville. Oliver D. bought the rail car from the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1975. It was shipped to Belleville on the back of an Amtrak train and initially sat on the dealership used car lot along West A Street. Oliver D. was a member of S.I.R.B.A.C. (Southern Illinois Rail Buff and Cronies Club), 70 year member of the National Model Railroad Historic Association, National Wildlife Association, Sierra Club, National Parks & Conservation Association, Airflow Club of America, Classic Car Club of America and the National Automobile Dealers Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver C. and Irma M., nee Seger, Joseph; first wife, Grace, nee Kaiser, Joseph; a son, Oliver Curt Joseph; two brothers, Warren and Elmo Joseph; and a sister, Norma Brown.
Surviving are his wife, Jean, nee Nebel, Joseph of Fairview Heights, Ill.; a son, Brad (Lynn, nee Mueller,) Joseph of O'Fallon, Ill.; daughter in law, Louise, nee Nemec, Joseph of O'Fallon, Ill.; five grandchildren, Whitney, Carolyn, Audrey, Oliver Curt and Michael Joseph; two brothers-in-law, Julius Brown of O'Fallon, Ill., and Herman Nebel of St. Louis, MO., sisters-in-law; Charlene Joseph of Belleville, Ill., Kitty Reis of Maryville, Tenn., Mimi Hunter of Glen Carbon, Ill., and Jo Ellen Vanatta of Lakewood, Wash.
Memorials may be made to the Memorial Hospital Foundation, Violence Prevention Center of Southwest Illinois, Juvenile Diabetes Association or the National Wildlife Federation. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.schildknechfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at the Oliver C.. Joseph Dealership, 3795 W. State Rt. 15, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 8807 W. Main St., Belleville, Ill., 62223, with Father Clyde Grogan officiating. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

SCHILDKNECHT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, O'Fallon, Ill.

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

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Oliver Joseph

Sponsored by Michael Charles Reis IV.

Not sure what to say?





April 21, 2010

Brad,
Just happened upon your dads obit. My sympathies to you and your family. I fondly remember the times I visited the house and helped with the railroad.
Brian Wolf
Former Captain and Pilot, Scott AFB, 1987-1990

January 12, 2010

Oliver was truly a rare and class person. It was our privilege to have known him. You have our sympathy.

Chuck and Char Cochran
Airflow Club Of America

Anne Koleson

January 1, 2010

Jean, Brad, and family: I am so sorry to learn of the death of Dee. He left an indelible impression on Belleville as a businessman and as civic-minded volunteer. He will be missed. Please remember your friends are here for you here and now. Fondly, Anne Koleson

December 29, 2009

To Brad and the entire Oliver D. Joseph family. The extended family of Louis Joseph is deeply saddened to hear about the death of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

We still own a 1969 Coronet R/T that was purchased from the Oliver C. Joseph dealership.

Francis & Joan Joseph - Cairo, MO
Michael & Elizabeth Joseph DelMonico - Colorado Springs, CO

December 29, 2009

Our family wishes you our deepest condolences and know our prayers are with your family. It has been a great pleasure working with you over the years. Vern Groom/Poelker Towing

Jim & Mary Walsh

December 29, 2009

Brad and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy, a few years ago we purchased a night on the train from a charity auction, didn't know what to expect but left there very pleased, the night with Mr Joseph, Brad and their wives was very enjoyable and the knowledge we learned of the train car was priceless,Brad your dad seem to love life. He was a very entertaining man and will be missed at the dealership as well as the Belleville area.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

mike leach

December 29, 2009

our thoughts and prayers goes out to the family.we will miss him.god bless.from mike & peggy leach

Shirley Render

December 29, 2009

Jean,
Please accept my deep sympathy and prayers
I am so sorry I was unable to attend the visitation or Mass. We have kids and grandkids in the house. I see them obly twice a year - could not leave them.
But my heart is with you. Please let me know where you are and when you are ready for some talk and a hug.
I send my love and deepest regrets.
Love, Shirley
[email protected]

December 28, 2009

My son and I will never forget the greetings given form Mr. Joseph. I one time asked a staff,"just what does he do here?" she stated "he just likes to be around the dealership just to enjoy its day to day operations. He definitely obtained my respect. He will surely be missed. I will even miss his voice answering the telephone when I would call. He would help get the job done. Bye Mr. Joseph Chrysler and the customers will miss you. Mrs. Mosley (E.St.L)

Jim Wilson

December 28, 2009

I had the incredible opportunity of working at Oliver C. Joseph Dodge for over 4 years and in that time I got to know Oliver Dee Joseph and all I can say is what a man. I have never met anyone like him and I never will forget him. He was like our grandpa at the dealership, he always brought a chuckle with his goofy sayings and jokes. Of all the places I have worked I miss Oliver C. Joseph the most. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Joseph family in this difficult time. May God Bless you and be with you and give you comfort in this difficult time of recovery. Thank you Oliver Dee Joseph & family for the priceless memories I have of all of you at the dealership. You will always be in our prayers.

Cheryl Wilson

December 28, 2009

Jean, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with the family.

Kevin Mullins

December 28, 2009

Brad, Hello from Minnesota, Kevin Mullins here from our Chrysler Dealer 20 Group. Our sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. I remember the field trip to your dealership and the great pleasure your father enjoyed as he shared his passions for his family, dealership, employees and trains! Having lunch in his railcar is an experience I will never forget! The fact that he would so often be the one to answer the phones at your dealership is just one of the few things that showed his passion for his business, people and life.
Thank you for allowing us to have shared part of his life and world.
May God continue to Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely

Kevin and Diane Mullins

STEVEN FEARS

December 28, 2009

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE ENJOYMENT I HAD TALKING TOO DEE YOU CAN NEVER DUPLICATE A ICON

December 28, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to all your family as you say farewell to your dear one, Oliver. .Thanks to the internet, our extended family, the branch from Alexander Joseph in Nebraska, we received the sad news and appreciate the host of family and friends who have shared their kind words. Olivers' parents visited our family in Nebraska many years ago and my parents visited them in Belleville as well as the dealership. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time....
Gloria (Joseph) Hilton, Cambridge, NE.

Gloria (Joseph) Hilton

December 28, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to all your family as you say farewell to your dear one, Oliver. .Thanks to the internet, our extended family, the branch from Alexander Joseph in Nebraska, we received the sad news and appreciate the host of family and friends who have shared their kind words. Olivers' parents visited our family in Nebraska many years ago and my parents visited them in Belleville as well as the dealership. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time....
Gloria (Joseph) Hilton, Cambridge, NE.

December 28, 2009

To Brad, Jean and the entire family, we extend heartfelt sympathy. Oliver Dee was such a charismatic person...he never met a stranger. We were members of the American Railroad Association, and also came to the dealership to view his trains and see a film of he & Jean on a trip to Africa...it was meant for family, but we enjoyed it so much! When the railroad car was being transported to the new location, we were there to watch every minute!

Our hearts go out to you...you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Norm & Evelyn Vitez, Cape Coral,Florida

December 28, 2009

My heartfelt sypathies go out to Brad, Mrs. Joseph and the rest of the Joseph family. Brad, it was clear to me from the first time I met your dad that he was an extraordinary man whe genuinely enjoyed people. You are blessed to have inherited his warm, sincere, and engaging personality. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and Dawn Hootselle and Family

December 28, 2009

Dear Brad and family,

I am deeply saddened to hear of your lose. I reflect to past and present of the good man Dee was. We once had a business next door to Joseph on Main St. Dee would come over to visit regularly, sharing jokes and inquire about peoples well being. We all respected and loved Dee very much. It was always nice to see him walk in the door. My son even shares the same birth date as Dee.

Sincerely,
Jay Davis and family

John & Myra Gonstal

December 28, 2009

Brad and family,I had worked for the Joseph family for over 33 years. There are very few people in this world who could touch so many people in such a positive way. Dee was one of them. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Steve Phillips

December 28, 2009

All of these postings are a testament to the man Dee was. The legacy he leaves behind is something to remember with a smile. I hope the family remembers all of those great times and smiles as well. Our family's prayers are with you.

Nelson"Butch" Hundley

December 28, 2009

Brad and Family, Sorry to hear about your Father He was a good man. He will be missed by many. May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Norbert Shacklette

December 28, 2009

I only knew the Joseph Family thru the Railroad Hobby, and would see him in Chicago at shows from time to time, but he was always most friendly and a pleasant person to talk to.

Judy Schlittler

December 28, 2009

Brad and Family,
Your dad was the sweetest, kindest person I've ever met. He always made time to talk to me whenever I brought my car in for service. I will miss those talks.

Lisa Brown

December 28, 2009

Jean, Brad, Louise, and family -
I am sorry I can't be there with you today and tomorrow. We were shocked and saddened by the news. I hope you know we are thinking of you today and of Dee and all the good times we have had together. All our love.

December 28, 2009

Brad and all,

We just learned about your father. Our most sincere condolances.

Alice Anderson & Sue La Point

Mark Bess

December 28, 2009

Brad and family, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My parents (now in Cape Girardeau) told me about the news. May God's grace be with all of you.

Fred Beaston

December 28, 2009

To Brad and Family, I had the honor of working for Dee for 15 years. I have never worked for a more honerable person before or since. He always brought a smile to anyone who crossed his path, Our thoughts a prayers to the family. He will be missed.

Charlotte Shea

December 28, 2009

I will always remember Mr. Dee Joseph, he always asked how I was doing. I grew up in the dealership since my father had worked there until he passed. Mr. Joseph made sure my mom and I lacked nothing during Lou's illness. I cannot thank the Joseph family enough for their thoughfullness and caring and wish them my sincere condolences. Dee will indeed be missed.

Madeleine Reis

December 28, 2009

Jean, Brad and extended Joseph Family:
As you remember Dee, allow yourself to chuckle over the good time you shared, reflect on the love you each gave the other and keep your memories close at heart. I will truly miss a man among men, one who may not have been six feet tall, but who stood head and shoulders above most. I'm thinking and praying for you all.
With love,

Ken Thompson

December 28, 2009

What a great guy. He will be missed. I always enjoyed the conversations we had. I enyoyed my visits to his home. Our prayers are with your and your family.

Ken & Corrine Thompson

Charles & Doris Olah

December 28, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed during our visits to the dealership. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dennis Baricevic

December 28, 2009

What a great guy. He will be missed. I always enjoyed the conversations we had. Your family was part of a great neighborhood to grow up in.

December 28, 2009

Jean, so sorry about your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time. God Bless you, Bob & Gloria Toenjes

Rick Fulton

December 28, 2009

BRAD,JEAN,LYNN,LOUISE,AND THE GRANDCHILDERN,
It's to find the words,but I am so sorry for your lost.I have known the Joseph Family twenty six years,and have worked for them almost twenty four of those years.Mr,Joseph was not only an employer he was a great friend.There are so many memories,It just so sad and a tragic lost.The whole Joseph family are in our thoughts and prayers.God bless you,I'm truly going to miss Mr,Joseph!

Mannie Glazer

December 28, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss.A great one has been taken from you and his many friends.He will always be remembered. He did not die but has gone to a better place and will run free in peace and comfort.

Matt Chambers & Family

December 28, 2009

Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of my family. We'll miss seeing Mr. Joseph's smiling face in the dealership, and all around the Metro East. Find comfort in the knowledge that Mr. Joseph is in a pain-free and worry-free place now. God bless!

Joe, Debbie, J.C. & John Wondolowski

December 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joe & Eleanor Kania

December 27, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Bob Coelho

December 27, 2009

Brad sorry to hear about your Dad. The 19 years that I worked there were some of the best years that I spent working in dealerships. Craig stills talks about how Dee took him into the train club. May to Lord warp his arms around you and your family at this time.

December 27, 2009

Oliver D. was a Belleville icon and will be sorely missed by the whole Belleville and surrounding communities. May he rest in peace. an admirer.

Michael Reis

December 27, 2009

On the loss of your Husband,
Jean

Some men leave their mark on the world by the way they live and the difference they make in the lives they touch.

Let each tear that falls be a gentle reminder that you and your husband truly loved each other, and made a meaningful difference in each other's lives- and that is a gift that no loss or sorrow, or time or distance can ever take away.

In sympathy,
Michael

December 27, 2009

One day a friend, who was a friend of Mr. Joseph took me the dealership while it was still located downtown. When I innocently asked about the train car out back, Mr. Joseph insisted on taking us on a personal tour, an experience I could never had had elsewhere. What a kind and generous man!

December 27, 2009

Jean and Brad, we are so sorry for your
loss. Dee wanted the bear made and hung before Christmas, which we were able to do. He will be missed. I am
so thankful we were able to attend the
Christmas open house and see you all.
May he rest in peace.
Don and Connie Bergmann

Virginia and Pat Barthel

December 27, 2009

Our sincerest condolences on your loss, my grandfather worked for OC Joseph for 42 years and thought the world of Mr. Joseph. My Grandmother shared Coffee and donuts with Mr. Joseph quite often at the dealership and was looking forward to bringing him his Springerle Cookies this Christmas. We will miss him greatly. You have our deepest sympathy

Zachary Higgins

December 27, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Terri Isenhart

December 27, 2009

Dear Brad, Lynn and Jean,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father and husband. He was always a bright spot in my day and he will be sorely missed by all in the community. Please accept my deepest sympathy and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you through this difficult time.

Terri Isenhart

Deanna McKinley Graham

December 27, 2009

Dear Jean and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Oliver C, L. R.McKinley,and Wagner Buick were among the first dealerships in Belleville.

Our deepest sympathy,
The McKinley Family

C K Smith

December 27, 2009

Mr. Joseph was such a positive force in the community. We celebrate his life and accomplishments. But, he will be missed.

Sincere sympathy to all who loved him.

December 27, 2009

Our Very deep sympathy to you. Your dad was a king in keeping business in Belleville & we should all realize that & appreciate it.

Michele Lehr Neblock & family

Michelle Coates

December 26, 2009

Dear Brad and Famliy,
I am very sorry hear about dad , u know dad was a friend of my for famliy many years an when i heard on the news about him i almost started to cry cause couldnt help think bout what ur famliy going throught ... ur dad was a very classy guy with charm an took care alot people an respected in this town i will miss him . i hope ur famliy doin k my deepest symathies to u and ur famliy prayers go out to u from my kids an me

Christian Sauer

December 26, 2009

Dear Brad, Jean and Family,
I am sad to hear about this tragedy. Dee was Neil's best friend and your mother and mine were cut from the same cloth,and a role model for us kids.The times our family had with your family by the pool or trimming the tree will always be the fondest of memories. To Pada burgers, The Great Northern RR, and classy gentlemen with wit and charm.

Natalie Weston

December 26, 2009

Brad, We are so sorry to here about your dad. He was always so great to me and Sean. You and your family have our deepest sympathies and are all in our prayers.

Tom,Natalie,Sean and Jake Weston

December 26, 2009

Our Deepest Sympathies to the Joseph Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob & Kathie Brockland & Family

December 26, 2009

Brad,

We were so sorry to hear about your dad. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Gary and Karen (Hoff) Voelker

Dan Hoelscher

December 26, 2009

To Jean,Brad and all of the Joseph family,I'm so sorry for your loss. It has been a great honor to know and work for Dee. Even though I have only worked at OCJ for 15 months, I have a ton of great memories of Dee.

Kevin Frawley

December 26, 2009

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Joseph. He was a stand-up person.

Terry Schaefer

December 26, 2009

Jean, Brad and Family,
We were so sorry to read of Dee's untimely passing. Dee represented the best of family and community values and he will be missed by all who knew and respected him. His business demeanor, generosity and commitment to Belleville was noteable. I have fond memories of his cheerful greetings and warm personality which established the benchmark for your family and business. We were very proud to be associated with Dee, your family and business and will forever remember the high mark he has left on all us all. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Vicky and Terry Schaefer

Nancy Klein

December 26, 2009

Jean, Brad and the whole Joseph family,
You have been on my mind and in my prayers since hearing of this tragedy. Oliver Joseph's was the place my parents shopped for cars and we have shopped for cars and car care. Dee and his concern for everyone was the reason. Our hearts go out to you. He will be greatly missed by all.

Bill & Lynne Nebel

December 26, 2009

Jean:
We were saddened by the news of Dee's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family during this very difficult time. We hope that you are comforted by your many wonderful memories.

Mike Thomas and Family

December 26, 2009

We were shocked and saddened by the news of Dee's passing. We offer our prayers for the happy repose of his soul, and our condolences to Brad and all the family.

GLORIA FUHRHOP

December 26, 2009

TO THE JOSEPH FAMILY,
I DID NOT KNOW MR. JOSEPH BUT I HEARD
NOTHING BUT GOOD THINKS ABOUT HIM IAM
VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH MY
THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY

December 26, 2009

To Brad and your entire family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

On behalf of your Scott Hockey League teammates, we extend our deepest sympathies,

Dan Picard

Scott Vander Ven

December 26, 2009

To the Joseph family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you family during this hard time.
Scott Vander Ven (RAF Molesworth, England)

Greg Perry

December 26, 2009

To the entire Joseph family,
It's hard to put into words the grief I feel for you.I knew Dee for only a few years,but what I did know was that he cared for everyone.His smile lit up the room and his stories and songs will surely be missed.WE WILL MISS YOU DEE.

December 26, 2009

Dear Jean, and all the Joseph family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is unimagniable.

Dee was a very special person who managed to make everyone feel special. He said he remembered my father, Gene Downs, when he came in as a dodge rep back in the '50s and not so long ago gave my husband, Mac, a very memorable afternoon visiting over the vast train layout he had built. He always made us feel "one of the gang" when we came in to get our cars serviced.

May God give you all His strength, love and peace to get through all this.

You will remain in my prayers.

Billie Downs McLemore, Belleville, Illinois

Kathy Latinette

December 26, 2009

Jean,

Our heart goes out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers each day.

Kathy, Wally, Ryan and Rachel Latinette

BILL KOROBEY

December 25, 2009

BRAD AND ALL THE EMPLOYEES AT OLIVER C JOSEPH. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS WILL BE FOR ALL OF YOU.

_OCJ Family_ We'll Miss You DEE!!!

Kelly Wilson

December 25, 2009

Dear Brad, Lynn, Whit, Carolynn, Jean, L, Micheal, Audry, and Curtis: I want to offer you each my deepest, most heart-felt sympathies. Tim and I are hear to help you in any way needed.

Your family has been an extension I was welcomed into three years ago. I'll never forget the warmth and humor of Dee, or the awesome burgers he cooked! Dee was truly a Great Man.

I feel honored to have been invited to joined the OCJ family this year.

To my fellow -OCJ- family-may we all hold our memories dear and help each other to through this difficult time.

Dee, if your looking down on us, now you know for sure that "everybody hates Dee" really isn't the show coming on next.--and I hope you took fresh notebook with you

Kelly Wilson

December 25, 2009

Dear B, L, W, C, J, L, M, A, & C: I want to offer you each my deepest, most heart-felt sympathies. Tim and I are hear to help you in any way needed.

Your family has been an extension I was welcomed into three years ago. I'll never forget the warmth and humor of Dee, or the awesome burgers he cooked! Dee was truly a Great Man.

I feel honored to have been invited to joined the OCJ family this year.

To my fellow -OCJ- family-may we all hold our memories dear and help each other to through this difficult time.

Dee, if your looking down on us, now you know for sure that "everybody hates Dee" really isn't the show coming on next.--and I hope you took fresh notebook with you

Lisa Harter

December 25, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Joseph family. Oliver C and Irma gave the world wonderful children and now the last is resting with them. While many people think of the moose and trains the two things I remember about the family were the buffalo and a trip to Detroit to visit with Elmo and Charlene. As a child my friends and I would hike through the creek and climb a hill to an area where we could watch the last buffalo on the farm we called Sam. My trip to Detroit was wonderful and Elmo and Charlene made me feel like part of the family. The Joseph family is a wonderful family to be a member of and may you all know that my prayers are with you at this time.

Charles & Carol Mister

December 25, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family. May D's memory live in each of you daily.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Dave & Sandy Schoenborn

December 25, 2009

Deepest sympathy to the whole Joseph family. Dee always had a smile and a friendly greating to everyone who came through the door. He will be greatly missed.

December 25, 2009

Brad and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this Christmas season. I'm so sorry that you've lost your dad.
"D." was not only a great man--but he was a good man too. I always bragged about knowing the oldest and funniest man in America. Your dad was truly one of a kind! Of the hundreds and hundreds of people I've photographed over the years, "D." is remembered as one of my handful of all-time favorite human beings. You're all very lucky to have had him as a father. May you feel God's love and healing hand during this very sad time.
Mike Favazza

December 25, 2009

Brad and family...I worked for 10 years at Jim Davis Furniture next door to the family dealership. Fondly remember talking to your dad daily for all of those years. Bought a car from you a couple years ago and really enjoyed reminiscing with your father. He was a good person. Very sorry for your loss. Best wishes. Tara Bertelsman

December 25, 2009

dear brad lynn whitney and carolynn, rob and i wanted express our feelings for your loss. your friends lisa and rob simons

Brenda Tourville

December 25, 2009

To the Joseph Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. We have lost a remarkable man. It has been a pleasure knowing and working for Oliver Dee for the past 15 years. Dee I will miss you.

Dennis Gilbert

December 25, 2009

I am up in Peoria as I get this news, and I am just devastated at this news. I worked for the Joseph family for a few years. He was a delightful, mischievous, man with an eternal twinkle in his eye. He loved to debate me, always taking the opposite view just to get a stir out of me, and I loved him for the sheer humanity of the man. Dee always enjoyed one of my favorite quotes from Winston Churchill. "I am quite prepared to meet my Maker; whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting ME is another matter." That was Dee Joseph...one of the best people ever in my life.

George & Marsha Duffield

December 25, 2009

Dear Joseph Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

Richard Davis

December 25, 2009

I was always a fan of Reader's Digest "My Most Unforgetable Character". OLIVER DEE JOSEPH will always be that for me. In my conversations with him he would go from very knowledgeable business to his best impression of Groucho Marx or The Penguin from Batman. I loved his motion pictures and stories of travels to the great west and of Mexico. He was always so proud of his sons. I will truly miss him and I wish for the Joseph family the Serenity Prayer. I will never enter the dealership without seeing and hearing the King of Puns - a great human being and friend. God Bless you Oliver Dee.

Mike Goldschmidt

December 25, 2009

Beginning with my 1st grade friendship with the late Oliver Curt Joseph 54 years ago, the Josephs have been my very dear friends ever since. I had the privilege of visiting the Josephs in their Covered Bridge Lane home and at their auto dealership many times. I always found Oliver Dee to be a kind man with a great sense of humor who had a love of life and an active, curious mind. His love of travel and of trains was well-known to all who knew him. My prayers for comfort are with Brad, Brad's family, Dee's daughter-in-law Louise, and Curt and Louise's children at this time.

Donna Campbell

December 25, 2009

To Jean,Brad,Lynn,Louise and all the Grandkids, I am so sorry for your loss. The dealership won't be the same without Dee there. I'll miss his "songs" and his stories. He has been family to me since I've started there in 1997. I feel your pain and pray for you all for strength & comfort.If you need anything I'm here just let me know.
I love you all!

Carmen Perkins

December 25, 2009

Brad and Family....I am so very, very heart broken. I will miss Dee greatly. I am so honored to have known him and to have spent time with him. One of my fondest memories is of mushroom hunting on hillsides near his house. He drove the tractor and I rode on the back. He was a very kind, gentle man.

December 25, 2009

Such a great loss for all, especially this grand family.
Our thoughts and many prayers are with the entire Joseph family.

Mike and Jaye Gilleland
Pontoon Beach

Mark S. Alexander

December 25, 2009

Anyone who ever entered the Dodge dealership and had the honor of meeting Mr Joseph, shares the loss with the family. He was the type of man many Dealers emanate by never make it. He was old school and it was an homor to have meet him.

December 25, 2009

Brad,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and extended families. May he rest in peace and his memory live forever.

Tom and Patty Bousman
Gateway Div

December 25, 2009

Joseph Family,
I'm am so sorry for your loss. Although I only had the honor of meeting Dee a few times when I would stop by the dealership to see Bryan, he would always greet me and speak to me as if he had known me for years. He was a sweet man that I know will be missed by many.
Peggy Ross (Bryan Garners Aunt)

John W. Graves

December 25, 2009

Memories of conversations with Dee about his travels will long remain with me. He truly loved life. My thoughts are with the entire OCJ family.

December 25, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family. I was just in last week for an oil change and the showroom was getting ready for the Christmas Open House on that following Saturday the 19th. They had some of the train displays set up already and I felt like a little
kid myself. He always celebrated every holiday with an open house with lots of
things for everyone; espically kids! I
think he was a like a big kid himself!


There is a a special place in my heart for Mr. Joseph. He was always so friendly and we would sometimes chat over the years while I waited. He was so proud of the new location and asked what I thought of it, eagar to show some of the highlights. It was so classy, just like him. He made sure every customer was comfortable and he was blessed with the gift of 'gab'.

The man was so respected and the whole Metro area has lost an icon. May you find comfort and peace knowing he surely took the express car through the pearly gates!
GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS.
MCC

Greg Castelli

December 25, 2009

To Jean, Brad, Lynn, Louise and all the Joseph family, I'm very sorry for the loss of Oliver Dee he was a true treasure. I will never forget him, or how he has influenced my life. My family and I will continue to pray for the Joseph Family and remember all the great times Oliver Dee has brought to our lives. I'm so proud that I had the honor to know Oliver Dee.

Jim Leavitt

December 25, 2009

To Jean, Brad and the rest of the family, im so sorry for your loss. It has been an honor to work for Mr. Joseph and be associated with a great family business. I will be there for any support or anything else that may help during these times. THANK YOU MR JOSEPH for the chance to know you.

Tom Blome

December 25, 2009

To Jean, Brad, Louise, Lynn and all of the Joseph family. We are all so shocked and saddened by Dee's passing. I will always remember how he made my family feel welcomed when I worked there. There is a poem when my younger brother passed away and it gave me comfort and I hope it does the same for you.

The Little Ship

"I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, 'He is gone.'

But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore a little band of friends gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation.Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, 'He is gone', a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, 'Here he comes! "

Tom, Bobbie, Chris and Scotty Blome

The Reis Family: Matt, Steph, Cae & Cas

December 25, 2009

Aunt Jean...
I talked to Mom this morning & she told me what happened. I was able to tell Matthew when he called this morning. We are saddened & heartbroken by your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Please, please let me know if there is anything we can do for you.
We love you.
Stephanie

Linda Whiteside

December 25, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve this tremendous loss. Belleville has lost an icon.

james thompson

December 25, 2009

iam sorry about your lose

Sandy Tutka

December 25, 2009

Jean and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your sudden loss of Dee. Having worked at the dealership for O.C and Dee, I have many fond memories of my time there. He was a wonderful person. I cannot tell you in words how sorry I am for your loss. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
Sandy Tutka

December 25, 2009

Two of the greatest Dealership owners have passed with your Dad and Dave Sinclair. I hope the new generations can run the dealerships with the same honesty and integreaty that these fine gentleman did.

Brian Molla

December 25, 2009

My deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a good man and brought up a fine son.

Cheri Campbell

December 25, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in your memories.
All of us at Campbells Automotive
Brian, Cheri, Bob, Paul, Shannon, Jake and Kelsey

December 25, 2009

To Jean, Brad, Louise, Lynn and all the Joseph Family: We are all so saddened by Dee's passing. He was one of those memorable characters you meet on just a few occasions. He was a great host; someone everyone considered a friend. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Jim & Kate Shively and family

Jim Shively

December 25, 2009

To Jean, Brad, Louise, Lynn and all the Joseph Family: We are all so saddened by Dee's passing. He was one of those memorable characters you meet on just a few occasions. He was a great host; someone everyone considered a friend. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Jim & Kate Shively and family

Showing 1 - 100 of 147 results

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