Joel Edward Rhodes, 48, of Countryside. Beloved son of Delana and Robert Rhodes. Celebration of Life 2pm until time of Memorial Service 6pm Friday, July 25th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, appreciated. Joel worked for 25 years as a welder at Vulcan Materials Company and he was a huge Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago White Sox, Green Bay Packers, and Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Funeral home phone 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
I’m so grateful to have had Joel in my life. Each and every time we spoke, regardless of what mood I was in, he always managed to make me smile!
It even got to the point that when his name came up on my caller ID, I’d already be grinning ear to ear, even if I’d had the worst day or had just been bawling my eyes out.
He’s the most kind and generous man I’ve ever met and had the biggest heart.
I’m do and will always miss him, dearly. But have many find memories of him. I’ll always hold them close to my heart. I’ll always love him with my heart and soul.
I wish to thank Delana and Robert for raising an incredible son and allowing me to be a little part of his amazing life. Thank you. You both will remain in my heart and prayers along with Gary and the rest of your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss and wish there was so much more I could do for you.
I was 6, I think, when you were born. You were like a little brother to me. I remember teaching you your multiplication tables. We grew up and life got in the way. Facebook brought us back together 4 years ago and it was as if we hadn’t been apart. It was amazing to see how much we had in common. I will miss our chats and our 2 am phone calls. I will miss you cuz.
It is so sad to lose such a wonderful person.
His parents are very dear to me.
God needed him and we will see him again.
To Bob and Delana, I have no words….no words that can describe how very sorry I am for you both. I am very lucky that God gave me a chance to know Joel, and have so many wonderful years of him as a friend. You both raised a very fine young man, and he was such an inspiration to the people around him. Joel always made people feel that they were important and you knew he always cared too. That comes from the teachings of great parenting. I’m so glad that you chose Hodgkins to call home for many of us gained great friends in your family and Joel will never be forgotten. God bless you all and give you the strength you need to work through all of this. I know we’ll all be together again one day. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Dear Bob and Delana, our heart felt condolences go out to you. I can not imagine how sad your heart must feel. No parent should have to endure the loss of a child. I do not have a lot of memories of Joel but I do remember how much delight you took in his birth and childhood and how proud you were of him. He will always live in your hearts. Pei Pei and I are living in California now and will not be able to make the services.
Again, our deepest condolences
Bobby and Pei Pei
Rest in Sweet peace. & be the king of heavens, in your medieval times you loved so much. Build your beautiful Castle love as much archery & welding all the things you wanted too. Ill always remember high school. & ill never forget Skyrim, The elder scrolls etc.
Prayers of strength & peace go out too your family you spoke so highly of & loved so much.
You will NEVER be forgotten.
Words just don’t work. You will be missed. Until we meet again mi Lord. 🙂 you were always Always a upstanding man. Xo
My Dear Joel,
You were truly one of a kind! You made me smile. I will miss you my dear friend. Knowing someone since Jr High brings only sweet memories. I am glad I got to see you before you left us. My condolences to the Rhodes family.
I am so sorry for the loss of a great man. I lived in the same building as Joel for many many years. He parked right next to me and we’d have such long talks several times a week. I am heart broken I didn’t know of his passing but you all will be in my prayers. Rest in peace Joel. U will be missed.