Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joel Friedel Obituary
Joel, son of Julius and Victoria Friedel, and brother of Dee Anne and Bobby, was born on February 19th, 1939 in Houston, Texas and attended Caddo High School, in Oil City, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, Joel entered the Air Force, and was a member of the 32nd Air Force Refueling Squadron. While serving in England, he was stationed in Reepham and developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Joel loved meeting people during his travels and made the effort of keeping in touch with them for the rest of his life.
Joel dedicated his life to helping those in need, especially children. He was a Director of Big Brothers, a member of the Shrine, and took pride in being in the clown unit, where he and his friends could be seen making balloon animals in the halls of the Shriner's Hospital and Oschner Clinic in New Orleans. For 35 years, Joel made sure that the children at the Shriner's Hospital had pumpkins to decorate for Halloween. His family will continue this tradition.
Joel was also a lifelong fan of the Houston sports teams, especially the Astros, Oilers, and recently the Texans. Joel often communicated with the owners and management of these teams, and took pride in collecting memorabilia and giving it to his grandsons. He was known for throwing a great Super Bowl party every year at his house for friends and family.
Joel is survived by Karen, his wife; Kelvin and Carol, son and daughter-in-law; Becky Gilbert, daughter; Nicholas, Bryan, and Brandon, grandsons; Dee Anne, sister; Big Boy (the rooster) and a number of chickens in the backyard, as well as their cat and parrot.
Services will be held at 1:30pm, Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 at Houston V.A. National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. Following the services, there will be a reception at their house in Montgomery, TX.
Instead of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Shriner's Hospital for Children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Friedel
Darlene DeBoer
December 10, 2019
Joel, I still think of you. Every time I go to Willis and pass by your old subdivision, River Plantation, you are in my thoughts. You were such a kind person. I am so lucky you were there for me during my time of just starting to be on my own. You will always be in my heart.
Sally Busboom
December 31, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Joel. I hope your family will be conforted by the remembrances of your special times together as a family.
We attended and graduated from North Caddo HS in 1957.
December 29, 2012
Karen, I knew Joel through Junior High and High School years as I grew up in the town of Mooringsport, Louisiana, four miles from Oil City. We also were in the same graduation class at North Caddo (class of l957). He was a very caring and personal friend. I don't think Joel ever met a stranger that he could not start a conversation. I'm just so sorry that I did not know he was so ill. My husband and I live out from Huntsville. My condolences are with you and the family. I know you have many cherished memories. God bless you and your family at this time and comfort you with His Peace.
Most sincerely,
Betty Ruth Groll Munro
Jan Douglas Norris
December 19, 2012
So sorry...would be at funeral if not at doctor in Katy TX.
Jan D. Norris
Darlene DeBoer
December 18, 2012
You will always have a place in my heart. Gee, words just do not describe our lifelong friendship. I have so many great and wonderful memories. In looking around my office, I have lot of Mickey Mouse stuff that you and Karen picked up in your travels. You were truly a great and true friend. I just know that we are going to miss you so very much.
Jennifer Hoppas
December 18, 2012
He was a very good friend of the family and to my Father. I imagine they have already started their travel plans again!
Mike Hallaron
December 17, 2012
Remembering Mr. Friedel today and the love he shared with his family and many friends. I wish you all comfort and peace as he moves on to his next journey.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Joel Friedel's name
Memorial Events
for Joel Friedel
How to support Joel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joel Friedel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
