Joel Wallerstedt

1950 - 2024

Joel Wallerstedt

March 30, 1950 - July 5, 2024

Louisburg, Kansas - Joel Wallerstedt died at home on July 5, surrounded by his family. He was a wonderful husband and father, and rich in friendship.

Joel was born on March 30, 1950 in Omaha, Nebraska to James and Rita Wallerstedt, née Coenen. He was the second oldest of seven children. His childhood was spent across the midwest, in places like Denver and Kansas City. He spent most of his teenage years at St. Joseph's Preparatory Seminary in Wisconsin, but ultimately decided the priesthood was not for him.

He studied at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, graduating with a degree in Anthropology. After college, he followed his interest in mesoamerican anthropology southward, hitchhiking his way through Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras photographing the life and culture he found in the cities and among the Mayan ruins.

He eventually made his way back to the midwest, finding work as Major Domo at the Classic Cup Cafe on Westport Road in Kansas City. While working at the cup he made friendships that would last the rest of his life. He went on to become a wine salesman at Gomer's Fine Wine & Spirits, where he worked for 21 years until he retired.

He met Ellen Maxwell in 1988 and they were married on April 1, 1990 in Paradise, Missouri. They were living in a small house in Kansas City where they welcomed their first child, Sophie Eloise in November of 1990. In May of 1993, Joel and Ellen welcomed twins Emma Jane and James Maxwell to their family. In 1995, they built a house in Louisburg, Kansas: a small hobby farm several miles outside of town. Joel loved being a father and poured his heart and soul into parenting, as his greatest joys came from having a family.

Outside of work Joel found happiness at home on their farm. With a near-effortless green thumb he nurtured a vast, organic garden of flowers & vegetables from spring until fall. He pickled and canned the produce his household couldn't eat fresh, sharing salsas, hot sauces, sun dried tomatoes, and jams with family and friends. He raised chickens and ducks, collecting their eggs to eat at home and to sell in Kansas City. In his retired years, he spent entire days outside, caring for the farm.

He loved to cook, and he loved to feed people. He was an ace at pancakes, pizza, olive oil cake, flan, and everything in between. Joel was a gracious host, quick to greet guests with a warm smile and an easy laugh. He readily shared his knowledge of wine and spirits, eager to open a bottle and share a glass. At Gomer's he sold his own blend of coffee, affectionately known as Joel's Blend, and even towards the end of his life ensured there was always a fresh pot of coffee each morning.

Joel enjoyed poetry, science fiction novels, horseshoes, fishing, and jazz music. His favorite movie was the 1950 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim, and he had a tradition of watching it with his family each Christmas. He loved to play cards and board games with his family, and he was rarely known to turn down a game of French Rummy.

Joel was diagnosed with Bulbar Onset ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia in October of 2023, and was supported and cared for by his family as he battled the disease: a true tribute to a man who took such care of everyone in his life. He was beloved by all who knew him, and will be so missed.

Joel is survived by his wife Ellen Maxwell, his daughter Sophie Wallerstedt and husband Casey Peterson, his son Max Wallerstedt, his daughter Jane Wallerstedt, and his sisters Julie Treacy, Jan Borgelt, and Jean Long.

We would like to thank Ascend Hospice and the ALS Association for their support and care.