1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
JAN
04
Sunday, January 4, 2026
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
McHenry VFW
3002 Illinois 120, McHenry, IL 60051
Joseph "Joe" Tofel; Loving Father to Aaron (Teresa) Tofel and Joshua (Jennie Beaudin) Tofel. Devoted Grandfather to 11 Grandchildren: Austin, Trinity, Talon, Kyen, Aspen, Finnlie, Thea, Arrow, Michael, Matthew, Tallulah and 2 Great-Grandchildren: Presley and Parker. Cherished Brother of Jerry (Mary) Tofel and Carol (Jim) Wagner. Fond Uncle of Melinda (Jim) Guth and Michael (Clarissa) Tofel. Preceded in death by his Mother, Dorothy "Dolores" Tofel, and Father, Stanley Tofel.
Born in Chicago in 1955 to his parents, Dorothy and Stanley, Joe spent his childhood with his brother Jerry, and sister Carol, in Niles, IL. Joe made many lifelong friends during his time in Niles, attending St Juliana and at Maine South High School before Joe left for the United States Air Force in 1973. During his tenure in the Air Force, Joe served in Ground Radio Communications and when he returned began his 45 year journey as a carpenter. The lessons and knowledge Joe gained through this time, would be things he passed down to his sons, Aaron and Joshua. Joe faced life's challenges with incredible strength and humor, often joking that he had nine lives. Through heart attacks, strokes, becoming an amputee, and cancer, Joe never gave up. His resilience was fueled by love—love for his family and friends. Joe loved being outdoors, especially in the woods camping, hunting and fishing. He loved gardening, music, cheering for his Chicago teams—the Blackhawks, Cubs, and Bears and sharing stories from his years coaching hockey for his sons. Above all, Joe loved and cherished his family. He was immensely proud of his 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren. Joe's circle of love extended beyond family to include countless friends he considered his own. His generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty touched everyone who knew him. Joe will be remembered for the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the strength he showed. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the McHenry VFW, 3002 IL-120, McHenry, IL. Sunday January 4th, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Donations can be made in Joe's honor to Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org) or Rhizo Kids (rhizokids.com/donate)
Born in Chicago in 1955 to his parents, Dorothy and Stanley, Joe spent his childhood with his brother Jerry, and sister Carol, in Niles, IL. Joe made many lifelong friends during his time in Niles, attending St Juliana and at Maine South High School before Joe left for the United States Air Force in 1973. During his tenure in the Air Force, Joe served in Ground Radio Communications and when he returned began his 45 year journey as a carpenter. The lessons and knowledge Joe gained through this time, would be things he passed down to his sons, Aaron and Joshua. Joe faced life's challenges with incredible strength and humor, often joking that he had nine lives. Through heart attacks, strokes, becoming an amputee, and cancer, Joe never gave up. His resilience was fueled by love—love for his family and friends. Joe loved being outdoors, especially in the woods camping, hunting and fishing. He loved gardening, music, cheering for his Chicago teams—the Blackhawks, Cubs, and Bears and sharing stories from his years coaching hockey for his sons. Above all, Joe loved and cherished his family. He was immensely proud of his 11 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren. Joe's circle of love extended beyond family to include countless friends he considered his own. His generosity, humor, and unwavering loyalty touched everyone who knew him. Joe will be remembered for the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the strength he showed. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the McHenry VFW, 3002 IL-120, McHenry, IL. Sunday January 4th, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Donations can be made in Joe's honor to Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org) or Rhizo Kids (rhizokids.com/donate)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph "Joe" Tofel, please visit our flower store.
Joseph "Joe" Tofel's Guestbook
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