Joel M. Block

With the love of his life by his side, Joel M. Block, passed away peacefully at his Wisconsin summer home on Friday, July 5, 2024 at the age of 74. Joel leaves behind his loving family including his soul mate of 31 years Karen (Schaffer) Block, his sons Jody (Heather) Block, Jesse (Darcy) Block, and his daughter Crystal (Chad) Maola. His love lives on in his eight grandchildren Maxwell and Carter Block; Devyn, Kylan, Kaden and Mayvn Block; and Cache and Cora Maola.  Also step-son Brian Duntze (Jessica) and grandchildren Jacob, Emily, Adam and Grace. He is also survived by his brothers Vern (Cathy) Block and Glen Block and his sisters Karen Zimmermann and Jamie (Tom) Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents Myron and Grace (Lemke) Block, infant son Jason, and his brother-in-law Gary Zimmermann.

Joel was born on July 24, 1949 in Wausau, Wisconsin, where he grew up on the family farm in the Town of Easton. Religion, family, travel and work were among the most important aspects of Joel’s life. Joel’s religious focus was centered on service to others. He was always spiritually active in church, community, and enjoyed spreading the word of God both verbally and through his actions. Joel was always on the move; enabling him at some point of his spirited life to call Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona, and Florida his home. Joel’s relocations were most often in pursuit to be close to family. Joel always embraced his time spent with Karen. They loved traveling together, whether they sailed the seas during a cruise or stayed on land driving cross country, Joel cherished every moment. As much as Joel loved time with his family and friends, he also believed in working hard. In his younger years, he began his career in construction, then transitioned into the insurance industry, and eventually enjoyed his final 15 years of employment working with Merrill Lynch as a Certified Financial Planner.

In celebration of Joel’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston, with Pastor Lance Hoelscher officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church and continue until the time of service. Lunch to follow the service. Burial will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Easton.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who so desire to make a donation in Joel’s memory to Orphan Grain Train, Tunnel to Towers, or American Heart Association.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”