Joseph Huddleston Zoeller, 60, of Niles passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate, Jeannine Carey, his loving son, Michael, his mother, Eleanor and mother-in-law, Carlynn Carey.  He is also survived by his family, Joanne, Anne (Erwin Poliakoff), Matthew (Kathy), Julia, Mark (Diana), John (Sheri), Merri (John) Lynch, and William (Tracy) Carey, Jr. Joe will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and his grand-niece and grand-nephews, along with his aunts, numerous cousins and a host of friends. And finally there's lil' Louie, a fuzzy love of the four legged variety.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Walter F. Zoeller, Jr., his father-in-law, William Carey, Sr., his brother, Walter F. Zoeller, III, his sister-in-law, Carol Walano, his brother-in-law Kimio Nagasawa and Michael's mother, Margaret Smith.

Joe brought smiles and laughter to those around him and always took care of the people he loved. He mastered anything to which he devoted his heart and mind.  Family, friends, banking and the fellowship of AA and sobriety were the focus of his life. He excelled as a student, gardener, furniture refinisher, and encased meat connoisseur, to name just a few of his talents. Joe also practiced a thrift and frugality that helped him prosper. Indeed, it's been said that Alexander Hamilton was kept prisoner in his wallet. It has also been said that if Joe met someone without a smile he would gladly give them his.

At the age of 53, Joe was cursed with the diagnosis of Early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He faced his illness with an extraordinary acceptance of its burden and outcome and pursued joy, life and marriage as if his diagnosis did not exist. With a spirit of adventure Joe and Jeannine traveled far and wide checking off their bucket list. While Joe's bright light has been extinguished in our eyes too early, the way he lived and loved until the very end will shine in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association: Donate online HERE
or
Chicago Area Service Office (CASO) for Alcoholics Anonymous: Donate online HERE

Memorial Visitation, Thursday, March 20, 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Nelson Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Rd. Park Ridge, IL 60068. Memorial Service, Friday, March 21, 11:00 a.m., Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60016.

For information, 847-823-5122.