Joel Brien Strack

It is almost a year since Joel passed. I didnt know Joel very well in high school, but I wish I would have had his courage to get on a stage and perform. I had a fear of public speaking in those days. I remember Joel as outgoing, friendly, and willing to help in any way he could.

You were like a brother to us, and brought so much joy to everyone around you. Rest in peace. The Leonards

Joel became my brother in the few weeks I shared with him during my AFS year at the house of the Strack family. And he stayed a brother through all those years. When I returned for a vacation with my niece and nephew, Joel's parents arranged a trip to Orlando for us - and the kids immediately took to Joel. They (and I, of course, too) were delighted to meet him again three years later. I still see them together on walks through the Illinois countryside. Joel has a place in our hearts forever.

To Joels family. He was a great classmate. Talked to everyone. Always made us laugh. And I always remember the smile on his face . Sending you prayers. And hugs. He'll always be that smiling redhead watching over you all. Class of 78.

KNEW JEFF IN HIGH SCHOOL WAS A FUNNY KID JOKING AROUND ALOT AND ALL

When Aunt Marylu had Joel my mom teased her because he was the only redhead in the extended family until a few months later when I was born with red hair. I will really miss my cousin Joel. We grew up together, participated in 4-H, worked at Strack Farms, and made elaborate hay forts. After graduation we went to Ireland together and he made every day an adventure even talking me into hitchhiking to Dublin. While in Ireland he would always label the day as a 1, 2 or 3-clover day with a...

When we met as 18 year olds as freshmen at the University of Illinois theatre department, Joel was already larger than life. He convinced me to sing in the church choir, invited me for a memorable weekend at his parent's farm, and spent many hours entertaining me with his stories (my favorite was the time his mom asked him where he was getting all the beautiful flowers he was bringing her each week, and he admitted he was taking them from the cemetery). Even after I switched majors, Joel...

Sending God another Angel. He's taken too many of my Disney family. Please slow down.

So grateful for your life, Joel. I will miss you