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BORN
1955
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Viola Jr. Obituary
Joseph Francis Viola Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Born on April 1, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa, Joe lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.
He was the beloved husband of Karen Viola (née Eckhart), devoted father of Angela Viola and Margaret Viola-Bailey, and proud grandfather of June Bailey, who brought endless joy to his days. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Joan Viola (née Wykoff) and Joseph Francis Viola Sr., and his sister Michelle Johnson (née Viola). He is survived by his loving sister Vicky Spiller (née Viola), who will continue to honor his memory.
Joe graduated from Hoover High School in Des Moines and built a career marked by dedication and hard work. He spent many years as a Customer Service Representative at Multiplex Beverage Company before retiring from Tri-Square Construction in 2022.
Outside of work, Joe sought meaning in the quiet corners of life. He found solace in the whisper of water beneath his kayak, in the stillness of a forest where campfires glowed like tiny beacons, and in the patient wait of a fishing line cast into the unknown. His workshop was a sanctuary-a place where rough timber became something lasting, shaped by steady hands and a creative heart. These moments were more than hobbies; they were Joe’s way of connecting with the world, of leaving behind pieces of himself in every ripple, every trail, every crafted edge.
Joe’s warmth, humor, and kindness touched everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the love of his family and the countless memories shared with friends.
Services: Funeral service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joe by spending time outdoors, sharing a laugh, or building something with your hands-just as he would have loved. Visitation Sunday February 1, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Viola Jr.
7 Entries
Chris Cronin
February 1, 2026
Joe and his family are the best neighbors I have ever had. I feel blessed to call him friend. Godspeed, Joe
Tom Brightwell
January 24, 2026
Joe was a good man and I certainly enjoyed working with him. "The good, they die young." Certainly true in this case. Journey well Joe V and RIP.
Judy Williams
January 24, 2026
Always smile when remembering Joe. What courage he displayed. God will give him peace!
Ron Kieffer
January 17, 2026
Wanted to share a few stories about how Joe has impacted my life.
I first met Joe early in my business career, working at Multiplex in St Louis.
Joe had a big positive impact on my career
He encouraged me to move from my customer service position into equipment technical support.
He not only encouraged me, but he also spent a considerable amount of time training me, he was an exceptional trainer, because he was driven to understand the products inside and out.
This set my trajectory into a lifelong career in Foodservice Equipment Technical Support with multiple companies in this industry, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
The Viola’s also positively impacted our personal life
Joe viewed personal and professional lives as intertwined I’ve used that principal throughout my life which has proven very rewarding.
We had kids at the same time, as new parents we were very fortunate to have spent time together navigating raising children.
Being a young couple without a lot of money, we continually had home repair projects. There were times I had to call, my technical mentor, Joe for help, and he would always be willing to come and assist. I learned so much from Joe, he was a blessing during this time in our life.
Even when my job sent me to Shreveport Louisiana, and then later back to St Louis with a new job at a new company, although we hadn’t seen each other for long time, whenever we would get together our friendship would continue where we left off.
Joe has also had a positive impact on my family
I remember when my dad passed away, we got to the church for the funeral, we were in the car waiting in the parking lot. We noticed someone had just arrived and was walking over to the car and as he got closer, my wife Sue said, “Oh my God, that’s Joe Viola”. We hadn’t seen Joe for a long time, so it was quite a surprise to see him. I remember when he went through the funeral line, looking over and seeing him, getting down on my mom’s level (she was in a wheelchair) taking time to talk with her about how knowing my dad impacted him. It really impressed me that he would be there for us.
All I can say is that he was a very special person who valued people, I’ve learned much from him and his example.
I’m very grateful that Joe has been a part of my life.
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Sherry Jones
January 15, 2026
I have had pleasure to know Joe and his family for 20+ years. I have watched his family grow as he has mine. We have enjoyed camping, cookouts and just hanging out. You will be missed. Time to relax my friend. ❤Sherry
Cindy Swickard Cox
January 15, 2026
Thank you Joe for always being so caring to your family. You will be missed. I'm so proud to call your daughter Angie my daughter in law. She is a blessing to our family. Josh is blessed to have had you in his life.
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Memorial Events
for Joseph Viola Jr.
Feb
1
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory
14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
Feb
2
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory
14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
Funeral services provided by:
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011