Joel E. Jussel

June 28, 1960 - August 06, 2016

Joel E. Jussel

June 28, 1960 - August 06, 2016

Obituary

Joel Edward Jussel was born June 28, 1960 in Bellingham to Carl Edward and Elsie Mae Horgdal Jussel and died August 6, 2016 due to complications from juvenile diabetes.

Joel was a 1978 graduate of Sehome High School where he was very active in student government as ASB Vice President, Class Speaker and elected representative for nine western states at the NASSP. He also served as a Page in Olympia and participated in debate, band, chorus, and many other activities.

Joel attended Georgetown University School of Foreign Service while also interning for NASSP in Virginia. His career was in retail management in Washington D.C. Joel remained in the D.C. area until 1999 when he returned to Bellingham due to health issues. He was on kidney dialysis for 19 years, lost his sight 17 years ago and recently had a leg amputation. He always remained optimistic and enjoyed life. Joel loved people and was never at a loss for words. He greatly enjoyed any conversation as well as public speaking. Joel loved cats, Broadway musicals, movies, and travel and was fortunate to have visited many countries and areas in the United States. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Joel was predeceased by his loving father Carl in 2011 and his doting grandparents Arni & Beth Horgdal and Joe & Betty Jussel. He is survived by his mother Elsie Mae, special cousins, Carl (Margret) Amberson, Connie Mae (Larry) Uhl, Craig (Tanya) Amberson, Colleen (Kevin) Jefferson, Corene Anderson, Wendy (Ron) Kihlman and his uncle and godparent Bob Amberson.

Joel resided over 17 years at St. Francis facility and the staff became his friends and extended family as did the staff at Mt. Baker Kidney Center. Thanks to all these people and also to the great care and concern he received from his physicians.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 13, at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street – Box 1646, Blaine, WA 98231 or the Mt. Baker Kidney Center, 410 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225 or to other charities of your choice.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: August 13, 2016 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Grace Lutheran Church
  • Location: 702 G St Blaine, WA 98230 - (Get Directions)

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10 responses to Joel E. Jussel

  1. Mackenzie says:

    Joel was the absolute best part of coming to work every day. I was only his aide for about 6 months, but he always treated me like a dear friend. They always say that you’ll have one resident who hangs onto your heart for the rest of your life. For many of us, that person is Joel. I miss him terribly, and am so sorry for your loss, Jussel family. He was an incredible man, and I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to work with him. He touched so many lives in his time on this Earth. Now, in heaven, with his health restored, I know that he is watching over us all.

  2. Kathy Altman says:

    I had the privilege of meeting Joel just a few times, at extended family gathers, but always enjoyed our conversations. Joel had a sharp mind and a happy soul–ever an attractive combination.
    My condolences to his family on the loss of Joel from this life. May happy memories sustain you as you look forward to that day when you will be reunited with Joel in the Earth Made New.

  3. Kathy Altman says:

    I had the privilege of meeting Joel just a few times, at extended family gathers, but always enjoyed our conversations. Joel had a sharp mind and a happy soul–ever an attractive combination.
    My condolences to his family on the loss of Joel from this life. May happy memories sustain you as you look forward to that day when you will be reunited with Joel in the Earth Made New.

  4. I am so blessed to have had the chance to meet Joel and have him in my life. He was such a kind and caring person. Our sincere prayers and thoughts go out to you.

  5. Joel, you were my first love, my crush. We met in Olympia when we were legislative pages. So smart, articulate, so handsome. You were generous and kind. You made a lifelong impact on my heart. Thank you for being a friend. I have remembered you fondly off and on through the years. I saw you in my dream last night – after forty years – and googled you this morning. I learned the diabetes took over your body so young and went to your rest just five years ago. I read of the caring presence you had with people in your life. Peace be, beloved friend. May your memory be a blessing.

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