Obituaries

Don Shaw from West Palm Beach , FL

"Joe was an amazing boss and a wonderful person. My sincere sympathy to his family."

Fran Nohling from Geneva, IL

"Met Joe 10 years ago when I was a new neighbor. He was outgoing. Full of fun and a bit of mischief. Glad to help others esp. before he had to give up driving. Set a great example of accepting age changes without complaint. Told all the women he met that we were "Beautiful". Fran"

Kim Jakes from Palos Heights, IL

"Dear Uncle Joe (aka Uncle Sonny), since I was a little girl I knew how very special you were having so many qualities to respect and admire. Throughout your life you were many things to many people, but most importantly it was recognizing the love and devotion for your family. I adored your sense of humor and quiet strength. Your smile, even in the end, was infectious, you offered warmth and genuine kindness with every encounter. I will miss and love you always dear Uncle and hold you close in my heart."

Edward Enzenbacher from Lockport, IL

"I fondly remember traveling with my grandfather to Saint Charles to visit uncle Joe, it would always be a special treat to go see them in their lovely home in the woods as I remember. My mother always spoke so highly of uncle Joe she was so proud of him. I will always remember him as being kind, funny, very intelligent and just fun to be around. He reminded me so much of my grandfather and looks and demeanor. I will miss him very much."

Stephanie Smith from Woodridge, IL

"Uncle Joe was the first one to greet me when I met my husbands side of the family. From the first moment I met him he made me feel like I belonged. He was such a kind, affable and funny man with such a big heart! I am so very sorry for your loss. I truly loved him."

Charlie Sullivan from DeBary, FL

"What a great guy! He will be truly missed."

Debra Enzenbacher from Yorkshire, England, IL

"My dearest Uncle Joe, How I shall treasure all my fond memories of time spent with you throughout my life whether in your lovely woodland home in St. Charles, IL, at family parties and gatherings or in later life at your care home where you remained as vibrant, fun, playful, charming, quick witted, bright and alert, engaging, affable, an all around great guy. Your service to your country and community, kindness, solid family values, intelligent choice of life partner, leadership, solid work ethic and contribution to society stood out above the crowd. You have always been and shall remain very special to me. Having you in my life has been a great blessing. You loved your parents, siblings, wife, sons, in-laws, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, grandchildren, friends, neighbours and colleagues with the same huge heart, deeply and truly. You spread sunshine wherever you went. Your light remains in all who have had the privilege to know and love you. In that way you will forever be with us and a part of us. Thank you for everything you have taught me about love of family, country and good sportsmanship, working hard, staying positive, living life to the full and being steady and reliable. Your wonderful family is your gift to the world. Your goodness, generosity and kind ways have helped many people throughout their lives. You have left a great legacy and set a fine example to emulate. You are quite simply a star! May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. Love always and forever, Your grateful niece"

Bryan Compton from Kansas City, MO

"I met Joe apx. 1985 when I came to work at Batavia A-C/AGCO. I found him to be a straight forward type of person, but with care & empathy for the employee and or his family. Later, in both our careers he became my Direct Report when he became involved w/Customer Service. My wife Helen also new Joe from A-C/AGCO, and we both would like to extend our sincere sympathy & condolences for his loss to family & friends.Sincerely, Bryan & Helen Compton"

Anne Marie Smith from Aurora, IL

"My Uncle Joe has a warm place in my heart because of his kindness and generosity. For example, I remember him playing with me when I was about 6, and my mom and her sister (Joe's wife) were talking about deep stuff related to my parents' divorce. I remember sitting in his lap and him taking a draw on his pipe. Then he gave me a sign to punch him in the stomach and he would puff out all the smoke and groan as if I had hurt him. It made me giggle because there was no way I could hurt him.I also remember as an adult that I wanted to go to New York City after 9/11 to volunteer as a meeting facilitator at a town meeting to determine what would happen to Ground Zero. At the time, I had no money to my name, but I needed $200 for the flight to the New York. I briefly mentioned this at a family picnic. Joe didn't say a word and immediately got up from his lawn chair and walked to his car which was a ways away. Right after I explained the facilitation event, I had to get something from my car. We crossed paths between the picnic and the parking lot. He was coming back from his car, and I was going to mine. He shook my hand and slipped $200 in it as he hugged me saying only "use this however you want.” He immediately walked away. Needless to say, I went to New York and helped New Yorkers decide what should happen. I was one of over 50 facilitators who volunteered; there was at least one from each state. Uncle Joe's generosity made that possible. RIP, Uncle Joe. <3"