1955
Joel
2024
Joel Peebles
June 19, 1955 — August 6, 2024
Joel Lynn Peebles, 69, passed away at his summer home in Chippewa Falls, WI, on August 6, 2024. He will be remembered as a kind man who loved deeply and always saw the best in people.
Born on June 19, 1955, to the late Leon and Carol (Witte) Peebles in Fond du Lac, WI, Joel grew up in a loving home and graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1973. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in American studies from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and his master’s degree in secondary education from National Louis University.
As a beloved educator, Joel spent 35 years at Grayslake Central High School in Grayslake, IL – first teaching history, geography, and psychology, then serving as dean for the last 10 years of his career. Being an avid runner himself, he enjoyed coaching track and cross country during this time. He proudly coached several state and national qualifying athletes. Joel loved working with young people and the feeling was mutual – he was named Grayslake Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year at College of Lake County during his tenure.
In 2008, Joel met the love of his life, Bernadette (Hughes) Weider. They celebrated his retirement in 2012, the same year he was inducted into the Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame. Joel and Bernadette enjoyed their early days of retirement together in Crystal Lake, IL. In 2017, they began summering in Wisconsin and wintering in Arizona. That year, he was also honored by Grayslake High School with their Eiserman Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joel found great joy in the details, so it’s no surprise that he was a history buff and trivia enthusiast. He fostered a sense of community through every trivia game he hosted – first in person, then virtually to keep family and friends across the country connected during the pandemic. Joel loved animals, collected rare coins, and remained fiercely loyal to his favorite brands, including Apple and the Toyota Prius. His pure excitement around the things he cared about was contagious.
Most of all, Joel was a dedicated partner who took every opportunity to show Bernadette his love, from surprising her with flowers to making sure she had the latest gadgets and standing by her side through whatever came their way. He cared for his family deeply and was lovingly known as “Papa” to Bernadette’s grandson, Johnny. He was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure.
Joel is survived by his fiancé, Bernadette Weider; her three children, Chad Weider, Derek (Courtney) Weider, and Danielle Weider (fiancé Robert Mochel); his grandson, Johnny Weider; his brother, Jan (Vicki) Peebles; and his nephew, Thomas Peebles, and niece, Chloe Peebles.
Please come and join us to share memories and stories of Joel. A celebration of Joel's life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 1:30pm – 4:00pm at Viking Park Summer Kitchen 4374 Old Grand Avenue Gurnee, IL 60031.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com .
Born on June 19, 1955, to the late Leon and Carol (Witte) Peebles in Fond du Lac, WI, Joel grew up in a loving home and graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 1973. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in American studies from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and his master’s degree in secondary education from National Louis University.
As a beloved educator, Joel spent 35 years at Grayslake Central High School in Grayslake, IL – first teaching history, geography, and psychology, then serving as dean for the last 10 years of his career. Being an avid runner himself, he enjoyed coaching track and cross country during this time. He proudly coached several state and national qualifying athletes. Joel loved working with young people and the feeling was mutual – he was named Grayslake Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year at College of Lake County during his tenure.
In 2008, Joel met the love of his life, Bernadette (Hughes) Weider. They celebrated his retirement in 2012, the same year he was inducted into the Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame. Joel and Bernadette enjoyed their early days of retirement together in Crystal Lake, IL. In 2017, they began summering in Wisconsin and wintering in Arizona. That year, he was also honored by Grayslake High School with their Eiserman Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joel found great joy in the details, so it’s no surprise that he was a history buff and trivia enthusiast. He fostered a sense of community through every trivia game he hosted – first in person, then virtually to keep family and friends across the country connected during the pandemic. Joel loved animals, collected rare coins, and remained fiercely loyal to his favorite brands, including Apple and the Toyota Prius. His pure excitement around the things he cared about was contagious.
Most of all, Joel was a dedicated partner who took every opportunity to show Bernadette his love, from surprising her with flowers to making sure she had the latest gadgets and standing by her side through whatever came their way. He cared for his family deeply and was lovingly known as “Papa” to Bernadette’s grandson, Johnny. He was one of a kind and will be missed beyond measure.
Joel is survived by his fiancé, Bernadette Weider; her three children, Chad Weider, Derek (Courtney) Weider, and Danielle Weider (fiancé Robert Mochel); his grandson, Johnny Weider; his brother, Jan (Vicki) Peebles; and his nephew, Thomas Peebles, and niece, Chloe Peebles.
Please come and join us to share memories and stories of Joel. A celebration of Joel's life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 1:30pm – 4:00pm at Viking Park Summer Kitchen 4374 Old Grand Avenue Gurnee, IL 60031.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joel Peebles, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, September 29, 2024
1:30 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Viking Park
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Guestbook
Visits: 10
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