Joel A. Koonce, 88, of Watseka, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

 

Joe was born on December 8, 1935 in Villa Ridge, the son of Clarence Phillip and Opal (Reed) Koonce and they preceded him in death along with three brothers, Shadley, John, and Raymond; and two daughters, Donna Jean Koonce and Deana “Jodi” Koonce.

 

He married Dorothy J. Kaufmann on June 3, 1956 in Watseka and she survives. Other survivors include two sons Douglas (Barbara) Koonce of Bloomington and Dennis (Marta) Koonce of Frankfort, six grandchildren, Jennifer (Andy) Killian of Lexington (and their children, Anna, Allie, and Thomas), Jennifer (Alex) Mortensen of Grayslake (and their children, Brinley and Grayson), Jacob Koonce of Frankfort, Emily Koonce of Chicago, Shadley (Katherine) Evers of Midland, NC (and their baby on the way, Emerson), and Shane (Theresa) Evers of Charlotte, NC; and six nieces and nephews.

 

Joe was a 1953 graduate of Watseka Community High School. He became a General Contractor in the Watseka area for many years, later became a Mortgage Broker for ten years, and retired from Midwest Investments as a manager of apartment units for over ten years. Joe was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka, where he served on various committees within the church as well volunteering at the Watseka Food Pantry. He was a 66-year member of the Watseka Elks Lodge. He and Dorothy loved traveling, having visited 48 of the 50 states.

 

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, July 8, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Watseka with Pastor Darla Holden officiating. Burial will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date.

 

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Watseka or Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Arrangements by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.