Joel Lee Castillo Sr.

Joel Lee Castillo, 58, of Montgomery, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Joel is survived by his ex-wife, Gloria Trujillo; children, Danielle (Aaron), Joel Jr., Jessica (Giovanni), Julian (Naomi) and Jenna (Xavier); grandchildren, Emmi, Elena, A.J., Layla, Angel, E.Z., Atlas, Josias, Joemi (coming soon), Xavier, Ava and Alanna; brother, Michael Castillo Sr. and niece, Miranda Castillo.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Israel and Maria Castillo and nephew, Mikey Castillo Jr.

Joel was a simple man who enjoyed the small things in life. He appreciated good Tejano music, bathing in the sun, and watching sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He was known to fall asleep to the sounds of ESPN. Joel also loved traveling to Texas to visit family. He would travel through Texas starting in the north and traveled down to the southernmost part of the state. His favorite cities to visit in Texas were Corpus Christi and South Padre Island. The beaches of South Padre were his absolute favorite. Joel was known as a grill master to his family who truly enjoyed eating his grilled arrachera and bistec, almost more than he loved cooking it. And you would never catch him grilling without a Bud Light in his hand. Above all of these things that Joel appreciated, he loved nothing more than his children and grandchildren. Being with his family was the way Joel truly preferred to spend his time. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.

Family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 South Broadway, Montgomery, IL 60538. A funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 620 Fifth Street, Aurora, IL 60505 on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:30am.