Joel E. Jussel
June 28, 1960 - August 06, 2016
- Share:
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)
10 responses to Joel E. Jussel
Shavawn Berry says:
August 6, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Joel’s death. I graduated from Sehome High School with him in 1978 and have fond memories of our time there. I ran into Joel on the subway in NYC in 1988 and he told me about all the adventures he’d had in DC and seemed so happy and upbeat. I will remember that moment of connection and send prayers for his peace and happiness. I am sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person. ~ Shavawn Berry, Santa Fe, NM
Shavawn Berry says:
August 6, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Joel’s death. I graduated from Sehome High School with him in 1978 and have fond memories of our time there. I ran into Joel on the subway in NYC in 1988 and he told me about all the adventures he’d had in DC and seemed so happy and upbeat. I will remember that moment of connection and send prayers for his peace and happiness. I am sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person. ~ Shavawn Berry, Santa Fe, NM
Michael and Elisabeth Zajic says:
August 6, 2016
Joel was a wonderful friend and a loving person we will miss forever. He enriched our lives knowing him in the years he lived and worked in Washington, DC as early as 1971.He was an enterprising and budding young man. We remember he ran a store! Joel and I shared the burden of Juvenile Diabetes so felt an extra bond of understanding and sympathy for the challenges. The news of his passing from complications came as a sad shock. We extend our thanks to the wonderful staff of the nursing home that has cared for him so well for for so long, and thanks to the magnificent volunteers and family that helped him compensate for his blindness. He answered our christmas card adn letter every year due to their assistance. He had a wide ranging mind and a sunny personality that will be missed by all that knew him.
Michael and Elisabeth Zajic says:
August 6, 2016
Joel was a wonderful friend and a loving person we will miss forever. He enriched our lives knowing him in the years he lived and worked in Washington, DC as early as 1971.He was an enterprising and budding young man. We remember he ran a store! Joel and I shared the burden of Juvenile Diabetes so felt an extra bond of understanding and sympathy for the challenges. The news of his passing from complications came as a sad shock. We extend our thanks to the wonderful staff of the nursing home that has cared for him so well for for so long, and thanks to the magnificent volunteers and family that helped him compensate for his blindness. He answered our christmas card adn letter every year due to their assistance. He had a wide ranging mind and a sunny personality that will be missed by all that knew him.
Mackenzie says:
August 6, 2016
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.