Obituary of Joseph Wesley Fennewald

Joseph Wesley Fennewald, age 80, of Diamond, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Lightways Hospice Home with his family by his side.

Born March 14, 1943, in Joliet, he was the son of the late Melvin H. and Vera M. Fennewald. Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving from 1963-65 and worked as an over-the-road driver in the trucking industry.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He had many interests including outdoor life, fishing, doing yard work, playing gin rummy, and doing Seek-A-Word puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine R. (Karpen) Fennewald; five daughters, Robin (Todd) Wiseheart of Diamond, Melissa Fennewald of Demotte, IN, Christina F. (William D.) Tolbert of Coal City, Rena (Eddie Havlicek) Fennewald of Dublin, OH, and Tammy (Reginald Mitchell) Fennewald of Chicago Heights; two sons, Joseph W. Fennewald, Jr. of West Frankford, IL, and John J. (Veronica) Fennewald of Joliet; his grandchildren, Nycki, Cody, Craig, Kyle, Jeremy, David, Samantha, Timothy, and Tammy; ten great-grandchildren; his siblings, Melvin A. Fennewald of Wilmington; Mary E. Johnson of Joliet, and Dorothy L. Olson of Joliet; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen K. (Cavanaugh) Fennewald (May 23, 1997); a granddaughter, Christine Marie Parkinson; his parents; two sons, Melvin A., and Edward B. Fennewald; and two sisters, Edna M. Stevens, and Helen R. Mathesius.

A Memorial Gathering for Joseph Fennewald will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 10:00 a.m., until the time of a Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.freecdames.com