Joel A. Manthei

Joel A. Manthei, 60 died on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Swedish-American Hospital in Rockford, IL surrounded by family. He was born September 22, 1961 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport, IL to Glenn & Marjorie Manthei. Joel was a 1979 graduate of Shannon High School. He married the love of his life Colette Anselme on November 10, 1994. His highest honor came December 15, 2017 when he became a grandpa for the first time. Joel worked at Cub Foods for the past 30 years where he proudly served as Produce Manager. Anyone who shopped at Cubs knew Joel. Whether it was for his snide remarks, amazing produce displays, or the fact that he was quick to snag a banana for one of your children-you knew and looked forward to seeing him when you walked in the door. He will be missed by the many shoppers and co-workers he encountered and will be watching the produce section from high above to make sure nobody screws anything up. Those that knew Joel know he was quite a character. Sarcasm and saying inappropriate things was a daily occurrence. He loved the Chicago Bears. He could make anything out of wood and could fix just about anything even if it took a few trips to Menards. He took "supper" to his mother every Wednesday. He looked forward to his annual visits to Branson & Door County to see family. Joel was a great cook and loved his 5:00pm beers. He fed the local birds and squirrels to the point they would come to the window to look for him. He shared the funniest things on Facebook and was always posting pictures of his adventures with his grandkids. He held on to his faith during both good and troubling times was a truly a great guy who no doubt left an impression on those he encountered. Joel leaves behind many that will cherish his memory. His wife Colette of 28 wonderful years, his daughter Mallory Anselme & Son-in Law Andy Fruth, and sons Bryan & Brandon Manthei from a previous marriage. He leaves his beloved mother Marjorie Manthei, brothers Barry, Kelly, & Jeff (Marla) Manthei along with sisters Sheila (Jerrold) & Sheryl Stohecker. Uncle Joel also had 18 nieces/nephews & 22 great nieces/nephews whom he loved dearly as though they were his own. Most importantly Joel leaves behind what he always said were the best gifts he ever received-his precious grandchildren Paxton, Presley, and Porter Fruth. Papa was the absolute best-just look at the thousands of proud papa photos he shared over the last several years. Joel will be joining his father Glenn, his daughter Heidi, brother-in-law Mike Strohecker, and sister-in-law Leslie Manthei. He always was in charge of cooking at family functions so they will no doubt be excited to see him. The family would like to thank the ICU Nurses and Physicians at Swedish American for their compassionate care for Joel throughout the past week. Celebration of Life will be 12:00pm Friday August 19, 2022 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Visitation 10:00am until the time of service on Friday at Burke Tubbs. A luncheon honoring Joel will be held from 1-5pm at the Freeport Eagles Club following the services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joel's name. Previous Events Visitation AUG 19. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Celebration of Life AUG 19. 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map