Joel M. Kaufman, 78, lifelong Stephenson County resident, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 at his home in Lena with his wife by his side, after courageously battling cancer, and concluding the battle with grace and faith.

Joel was born July 31, 1939 in Freeport, to Robert and Florene (Clark) Kaufman; he attended Stockton schools, graduating Stockton High School in 1957. He earned an Associate Degree in Business from Highland Community College.

Joel wed Maralee Floski Oct. 7, 1978 in Mt. Morris. Mare and Joel put down roots, built careers, raised their blended family, grieved the loss of a child, and crisscrossed the country by car (camper often in tow), driving to Mt. Rushmore with their son, Matthew, when he was just five weeks old. After raising four boys, Mare and Joel became doting grandparents to four sweet, smart and sassy little women.

Joel enjoyed a long career as a computer programmer/analyst. But his true gift was that of a servant: Joel never met a stranger and he joyfully embraced every opportunity to help a friend, neighbor or family member.

Joel was a 34-year member of the Lena Lions Club where he held the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Fall Festival Treasurer. He was the proud recipient of the Lions' Melvin Jones Fellow and Illinois Foundation Fellow awards, and the International President's Award. He was a long-time member of Evangelical Free Church of Lena.

Other than volunteer work and golf, few things gave Joel more pleasure than talking sports. He would argue in favor of any team he thought was performing well (except the Packers); but he remained devoted always to the Stockton Blackhawks, Chicago Bears and the Cubs, whether the "W" flew or not.

Though a servant's heart has stopped beating, Joel's countless good deeds will live on in the memories of his wife, Maralee of Lena; their son, Matthew (Cyndi) and their daughters, Izabella, 8, twins Meghan and Samantha, 2, and Jaydyn Manning, 10, all of Freeport; sons, Tim Kaufman and Doug Kaufman, both of Freeport; Doug's son, Tyler; Joel's brother, Jon (Diane), of Stockton; his in-laws and dear friends, Frank and Mary Louise Floski, of Mt. Morris; his brothers-in-law, Doug (Betsy) Floski, of Byron, and their sons, Jacob, Christian and Patrick; and Curt (Marci) Floski, of Redmond, Ore., and their children, Abi, Ben and Jack. Joel is also survived by his fellow Lions Club members and his "Romeo Boys" breakfast group. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Thomas, and his nephew, Steven.

Always a cheerful optimist, Joel's wishes for a Celebration of Life will be honored on Sat. Nov. 25 at Evangelical Free Church of Lena with a Celebration of Life Service at 1 p.m. Visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded; private interment will take place at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

A servant to the end, one of Joel's final requests was that memorial gifts be entrusted to Ronald McDonald House (Madison, WI) in recognition of the many kindnesses shown by that organization to his granddaughter, Sammy Jo, and her family over the last year. Memorials may also be entrusted to the Lena Lions Club or Evangelical Free Church of Lena.

"What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good."