Joseph Bernard Hewing, 58, of Bartlett IL, died Sunday, September 27 surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo on Friday, October 9 from 5-7 PM, commencing with the rosary at 4:30. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church at 10 AM on Saturday, October 10. Freese Funeral Home of Tolono is handling the arrangements. The family invites you to bring a copy of a photo of Joe to share with us as we commemorate his life.

Joseph (Joe) is the eldest child of Kenneth and Ann (Westendorf) Hewing. Born in Effingham, IL, he was the first baby delivered at the hospital on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1968. Joe graduated from the University of Illinois and became an accountant and later, did personal investing. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his siblings Larry (Linda) Hewing, Beth Hewing (Dennis Winslow), and Paula Hewing; nieces and nephews Kendal (Breanna) Hewing and their daughter Ellie, Maggie Hewing, Brooke Hewing, Ashley McCarter and her son Ky’Mere Hogan, Trevor McCarter, and Travis McCarter.

Though Joe never married or had children of his own, he was certainly a family man. He readily gave his time, knowledge, physical labor, and financial resources to help us work towards our goals and dreams. If you asked Joe for help, the answer was always yes. And often you didn’t even need to ask. In speaking with friends and co-workers, we’ve learned how wide Joe’s circle of “family” really is.

Joe loved comedies and western films and books. He enjoyed going out to eat with friends and the occasional trip to Las Vegas for some gambling fun. He had a light-hearted yet sly sense of humor that will be greatly missed. We will all fondly remember family game nights or playing cards around the table together with him.

Joe’s family is deeply grateful for the compassion and care he received at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. Known for his good nature and generous heart, Joe volunteered every year for the Ronald McDonald House Sporting Clays Tournament, and regularly donated to St. Jude’s. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to either of these charities.