To Joel (from Kelly Hillis, Lon’s wife):

Goodbye precious Joel, my brother-in-law by virtue of marriage to Lon and brother in my heart. You are a beautiful soul who God blessed us with for a fleeting time—far too short for our earthly understanding but perfectly on HIS schedule. I am so thankful for 25 years of belly-rolling laughs, deep discussions, and love that was always said in person and silently understood across the miles. How I will miss trying to figure out which new-found wine to impress you with or laughing about something with Lon and then saying “Oh my gosh, we need to text that to Joel!” Thank you for being such a wonderful Best Man—not just for Lon’s and my wedding, but in all ways. And only you and I knew that the chocolate fountain we set up at the wedding after party bubbled up and “splurted” chocolate on us, LOL!  You fixed it though, even while we were laughing so hard it hurt! I will love and cherish you always and will forever be on the lookout for that extra- brightest shining star twinkling in the night sky, winking at us from Heaven. “Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way, we’re all meant to learn some things—but never meant to stay…Our destination is a place far greater than we know, for some the journey is quicker, for some the journey is slow. And when the journey finally ends, we’ll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace with our Lord.”(—unknown author). It’s hard for me, for any of us, to understand God’s plan for our lives sometimes (especially the hard parts) but I live by faith and know He has love so tremendous for us that it surpasses our comprehension, and that He has great things in store for us. I know we will see you again someday Joel, in God’s perfect timing—until then rest easy beloved one. 

Always, 

Kelly ❤️ 

I was blessed to get to know Joel through our work at Fiserv. When I joined the Audit Department Joel knew me from the past and welcomed me with open arms. Joel was always so kind and if I needed anything Joel was there to help. The after-work gatherings were a blast because of Joel. I will cherish those memories. I just wish I could tell Joel how thankful I am to him, and how he touched my life. Instead, I will thank God for Joel. (I am sure Joel will get the message. 🙏)

To Joel’s close family and friends: I pray that God will bring you comfort and your memories of Joel will warm your heart.