‹ ‹ Return to Current Obituaries

Joseph Elble

April 16, 1932 — January 18, 2020

Send Flowers

Hand delivered by a local florist

Send a Sympathy Card

Joseph Elble

Bloomington - Joseph B. Elble, Sr., 87, of Bloomington, passed away at 1:35 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Heritage Health in Bloomington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S. Madison, Bloomington, with Pastor Chuck Bahn officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the church and also one hour prior to the service on Friday. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Cornerstone Building Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Joe was born on April 16, 1932, in Alton, IL, son of Leonard and LaVerne (Tuscher) Elble. He married Shirley Duelm on September 11, 1955, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Alton.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley of Bloomington; children, Joseph (Shann) Elble, Jr. of Normal, Jeffrey (Lisa) Elble of Grand Rapids, MI, Michael (Kelly Norwood) Elble of San Antonio, TX, Mark (GiGi) Elble of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Joseph Benjamin III, Addison, Sarah, Ryan, Leila, Nicholas, and Alexander; great-grandchildren, Joseph Benjamin IV, Logan, Charles and Liam.

After completing high school, Joe was drafted by the Giants and played professional baseball before beginning his service to his country in the United States Army. Returning to Alton, Joe began his career as a homebuilder and married the love of his life, Shirley. Joe's career later brought him to Bloomington where he worked as a builder and contractor before culminating his building career at Baumgart Building Center.

Joe began his second career managing 4-Seasons Health Club, a perfect position for his outgoing, friendly, personality.

Joe was a member and former Elder at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was an avid woodworker and fisherman, loved puzzles and bingo and most importantly he loved spending time with his boys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe's primary goal in life was to make someone smile every day.

#HEYDUCK!