Joel Dean Zediker
March 24, 1957 – October 16, 2022
Joel Dean Zediker passed away peacefully in his home early Sunday morning, surrounded by his loving family. Joel was born on March 24, 1957 in Denison, Iowa to George and Ramona Zediker. The family moved to Burlington when Joel was 6 weeks old and Joel became a lifelong Skagit County resident as well as an eventual Eagles member. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1975 and then Chehalis Community College in 1978, where he pitched for the baseball team. He also played semi pro baseball for the Bellingham Bells from ’77 to ’79 and was scouted by the Phillies in ‘79. On his second day of tryouts he injured his shoulder, which ended his pitching career.
After college Joel worked for Rural Sanitation, which later became Waste Management, until 1990 when he was hired at Puget Sound Refinery. He was proud of his 31 years at the refinery and was an integral part of maintaining the complex systems associated with keeping us all fueled. Joel was married to Rochelle Griffin from 1980-2001 and they had two beautiful children together, Zach and Taryn.
Joel coached Burlington Little League from 1989-1995 with his late father, George. He was also on a local bowling league with George from ’78-’90. He spent many years restoring his prized possession, a 1964 and 1/2 firetruck red, white top Mustang convertible.
Joel married the love of his life, Jamie Sue Starks on May 22, 2004. They blended their families and celebrated 18 years together this past May.
Joel was likewise the king of family gatherings and loved parties and cooking on the grill. He was a very talented and passionate craftsman and spent all of his spare time creating his dream property. He loved watching sports and traveling with his family.
He is survived by wife Jamie; sons Zach (Chikage), Sean and Reed; daughter Taryn; grandchildren Hikari and Misaki; sisters Amy (Rob) and Laura (Ron) and several nieces and nephews. Joel is preceded in death by his loving parents George and Ramona.
Viewing at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA on Friday, October 21st from 12:00PM to 4:30PM.
Joel's memorial service will be held on Monday, October 24th at 1:00PM at Communion Church located at 1003 S 3rd St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
If you cannot be in attendance at the service and would like to watch it logon to https://www.viewlogies.net/hawthorne/8c5vd4naK?pin=228585, and use PIN 228585 to view the service on Monday at 1:00PM PST.
The service will be followed by a Celebration of Joel's Life at Burlington Eagles, located at 119 N Cherry Street.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Burlington Fire Department. Joel always wanted to buy the BFD a new fire truck if he won the lottery and they were instrumental in helping Joel over the last several weeks when he needed assistance getting in and out of the house. We are deeply grateful to them, as well as to many others who have helped Joel and our family through these last few weeks.
Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.
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