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Joel Stephen Switzer

1971 - 2017

Joel Stephen Switzer obituary, 1971-2017, Fairbanks, AK

BORN

1971

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home - Orangeville

200 West High Street

Orangeville, Illinois

Joel Switzer Obituary

Joel Stephen Switzer 1971—2017
Joel Stephen Switzer, 45, of Fairbanks, AK, formerly of Freeport, IL, was killed in a construction related accident near Fairbanks, AK on August 3, 2017. Joel was born December 22, 1971, in Rockford, IL; the only son of Stephen A. and Dorleen A. Switzer (nee Showers). Obituary written by his mother and father. He attended Freeport Schools and graduated from Freeport High School, Class of 1990, where he never missed a day of school in four years. He played junior tackle and high school football, and he was on the dive team in Freeport. Ever adventurous, and like his parents, he loved to travel, starting at nine months old. After high school he worked for Cub Foods, then traveled to and lived in Whitefish, MT where he was a forest firefighter and construction worker, when work got short. In 1994, Joel and his dear friend, Ken Gieser traveled to Alaska and never returned to the lower 48, they loved Alaska. He was a construction worker, pipe liner, dog musher and trainer. A dear friend to many Alaskans, always willing and able to lend a hand on most any project. He lived in a tiny two room cabin in "the bush" outside Fairbanks, AK. He traveled to Poland and Spain, to be in his cousin's weddings. He was a confirmed bachelor, but had many girlfriends. One of which told us, "To know Joel was to love him." He lived on the edge, he got in airplanes like we get in our pickups. Snowboarding, skiing, canoeing, bike and mountain bike riding, snow machines, dog mushing, cliff diving, caribou hunting, dip netting for salmon in the Copper River, world traveling, remodeling his cabin and guiding his family and friends all over his beloved Alaska, were just a few of his pursuits. Joel never forgot his mother's birthday or mother's day, always sent a beautiful floral arrangement. He never forgot his family and friends and on his annual trip to Illinois he visited many of them. On our weekly phone calls, the last thing he said was "I love you mom and I love you pop." Joel is survived by his parents, Stephen and Dorleen Switzer of Orangeville, IL, and numerous friends all over the world.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at the Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home in Orangeville, IL. A Masonic Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2017, at Oakland Cemetery, 2619 W Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL 61032. A luncheon will follow at the Crystal Room at the Masonic Temple in Freeport. Ron Asche will officiate the services. A memorial has been established for the Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Freeport Journal Standard from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Switzer

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August 16, 2017

One of the hardest working union Laborers I have had the pleasure of meeting, he will be missed.

Kathleen Matthews

August 10, 2017

Joel was a light in the lives of many. He truly loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed. God's speed Joel!!

Jeannette Okinczyc

August 10, 2017

Thank you for your son. He was a beautiful human being who loved us, our kids, our dogs, and our leftovers. He exemplified kindness and friendship. We will miss him and love him forever.

Jim Lorenz

August 9, 2017

Dear Dorleen and Steve: I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Joey. He and our son Christopher were sometime buddies when we visited my parents on Garfield. My folks always kept me in the loop as Joey grew up and began his adventures. May our Savior welcome him to a new home and may you find some comfort in knowing where Joeys next adventure will be.

Sue Richtemeyer

August 9, 2017

Steve and Dorleen,
You have our deepest sympathy. Joel was a wonderful young man.
May god hold you in his hands during this difficult time.

August 9, 2017

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14

Linda Meyers

August 8, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Such sad news.

Joan Burington Goebel

August 8, 2017

Dear Dorleen and Steve, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. This is a especially hard grief because we assume we will outlive our children. Your eulogy to your son spells out a life well lived. Hold those memories dear - they and your faith will sustain you. God be with you. A friend & neighbor from childhood. Joan

August 8, 2017

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Norine and Stu Dailey

Dorene Shores

August 8, 2017

Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your son, Joel. What a remarkable life he led and how proud you should be of the wonderful person you raised. Sincerely, Dorene Shores (FSA-Freeport)

Lori Jackson

August 7, 2017

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

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Memorial Events
for Joel Switzer

Aug

9

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home

Orangeville, IL

Aug

10

Graveside service

10:30 a.m.

Oakland Cemetery

2619 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home - Orangeville

200 West High Street, Orangeville, IL 61060

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