Melvin Joel Weidinger

Joel Weidinger, 68, of Urbana, Illinois, passed away at home on Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Military honors and burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Freese Funeral Home in Tolono, IL.

He was born to Frank and Paula Weidinger on January 15, 1957, in Normal, Illinois. Joel served 20 years in the Illinois Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major. He married Lisa (Rudd) Webb on August 12, 2010, warmly and lovingly embracing the role of stepfather to Brittany (Webb) Scott and William Webb.

Joel is survived by his wife, Lisa; bonus children, Brittany (Caleb) and William; mother, Paula Smith Myers; sisters, Lea Ann Griffin (Ken) and Kate Carney; brother, Larry Weidinger (Sharon); and stepsiblings, Jane Nelson (John), Don Green (Nancy), and Rick Green (Carol). He also leaves behind his beloved fur grandbabies: Gracie, Jefferson, and Titan.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepfathers, Don Green and Louis Myers.

Some of Joel’s favorite activities included weather observing while garage drinkin’, watching his power pole sunflowers grow, gardening, being enlightened by Scott Adams, browsing social media, and keeping up on current events. He was also gifted at pottery. He, his wife, Brittany (Caleb) Scott, and William enjoyed road-tripping and vacationing together. Joel loved taking William to watch trains and airplanes and "lunching" at the Philo Tavern and Old Orchard.

Joel, we hope you're up there in heavenly Burning Man, having the time of your life.

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