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Joel Strack Obituary
He quickly became a driving force in LGBTQ activism in Florida, supporting a variety of organizations and events. To name just a few of his efforts within the community, Joel has worked to found and support Gay Days and Come Out With Pride, helped to organize Orlando's first Pride parade, and served on the boards of The Center and the LGBT History Museum.
Of all his works of activism, Joel was proudest of his role as one of the founders of the Orlando Gay Chorus, a non-profit arts organization still changing hearts and minds through song to this very day. He said, "I love the idea that there are people in the audience who are changed by our songs."
In the last days of his life, when Joel was asked what he most wanted to be remembered for, it was friendship and love. He wanted that to be his greatest legacy. Joel showed that love through his service- service both to the LGBTQ+ community, and to Orlando.
About his legacy of activism, Joel said: "Just making my little change in the world. I'm just doing what I can do and getting a chuckle out of it along the way." And so, for all those who wish to honor Joel's memory, and to show their love for him, be of service. Look to the LGBTQ community organizations in need of your talent, energy, patience, love, and hard work, and as Joel always was, be of service. And as Joel always said, "Treat yourself right."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Orlando Gay Chorus or LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Strack
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Bart Putnam
July 13, 2020
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.
Lynn Brunner
October 1, 2019
You were like a brother to us, and brought so much joy to everyone around you. Rest in peace. The Leonards
Barbara Giesinger
August 5, 2019
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.
Debbie Morris
July 25, 2019
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.
MICHAEL FITZGERALD
July 24, 2019
KNEW JEFF IN HIGH SCHOOL WAS A FUNNY KID JOKING AROUND ALOT AND ALL
Cindy (Barr) Pesigan
July 24, 2019
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 1-clover day the worst (usually meant our guide was taking us to see another cemetery). I moved to Orlando a year later and he put us up in his place for a week while our apartment was being sprayed for roaches. He made my husband and I feel at home. My fondest memories were him showing us around Disney World. When I visit DeKalb I always ask my mom if Joel will be there because he was always so happy and fun to be around. This is definitely a 1-clover, sad day for us but God has gained a beautiful, generous and loving person. Our prayers go out to his loving family.
Jeff Fessler
July 20, 2019
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 visited me often in the landscape architecture department and became friends with my new friends. As luck would have it, I also moved to Florida after graduation, and was able to visit Joel in Orlando many times. Once he took me underground at DisneyWorld so I could see all the hidden operations that keep the park going! When I moved abroad we kept in touch through Facebook and I just loved how much he continued to make the world a better place. Joel, you're one in a million and my life was better having met you.
John Martinez
July 20, 2019
Sending God another Angel. He's taken too many of my Disney family. Please slow down.
Lori Kiergaard
July 20, 2019
So grateful for your life, Joel. I will miss you
Lori Swaby
July 19, 2019
My prayers are with Joel's family. Joel was an amazing man. He had a generous and loving heart. May we all strive to emulate Joel's genuine love, friendship, and giving nature.
Much love,
Lori Boebel Swaby
Sue (Bussone) Ohde
July 19, 2019
Joel, what a MARK you left on this WORLD! Thank you for being the voice (speaking or singing) for so many. Memories are forever...as will your spirit be. You will be greatly missed so many...including our Class of 1978! Rest in eternal peace...
Susan Golden Feinberg
July 19, 2019
Sending thoughts and prayers to your family.
July 19, 2019
I was a member of 4-H with Joel... what an amazing life he had. Thank you for chronicling his journeys for those of us who crossed his path. Vicki(Roach)Seisser Fogle
C Kiley
July 16, 2019
Thank you for teaching me that hot chocolate and coffee do go together...
You are missed,
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