Joel Vickers Memorial Fund

Dear Family, Friends, and Kind Supporters,

Let me tell you a little about Joel. He was loving, generous, funny, knowledgeable, bright as a new penny, and a hard worker. He reached out without question to clients, family, and friends that needed his help. He especially loved basketball but was a real all-sports guy. He also loved roller coasters and would ride the wildest ones, hands up in the air, his daughters on either side, all of them howling like crazy in unison. He loved God and his spiritual family. He found beauty in the great outdoors, traveling to a different National Park every year he could. And boy did he love road trips. Anyplace was fine, just to be on the road again with Bachman, Turner, Overdrive, or Chicago, or Earth, Wind and Fire blaring and him singing along at the top of his lungs.

On August 23rd I lost this precious man, the love of my life, my beautiful husband. He died suddenly in another city. With no prior physical problems, all of us who loved him — his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, friends, and clients — are in shock. We are devastated by his loss – what an unimaginable emptiness is felt in our lives.

Joel and I put off getting life insurance because we thought we had time, that we were years from slowing down, that we could always do it next month. But time ran out. Without insurance, with the sudden loss of income, I find myself ill-prepared for the huge financial burden of closing the final pages in the book of Joel’s life.

Cremation costs, funeral expenses, travel costs, and countless unforeseen expenses that accompany such a tragic event are overwhelming. Someone said that setting pride aside was brave. I’m working on it. I’m working to set my pride aside to allow a space for others to reach out and soften the financial burden as they offer their support, their tribute to a man who did so much for so many.

Thank you in advance for contributing to Joel’s Memorial Fund. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference. Thank you for your kind thoughts and gentle prayers. Your compassion and generosity will help us to honor him in his final journey.

[A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11am at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1340 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423]

[Organizer: Michele Heiner for Donna Vickers]