JOEL M. HERSHBERGER

age 90, of Schererville, formerly Hammond, passed away Tuesday June 17, 2014. Joel is survived by his daughters: Carla Burnell, JoEllyn Avedisian and Lori (Hal Waldron) Meyers; granddaughters Lisa (Darrell) Brown and Breanne (Nick) Brownfield; great grandchildren: Sydney, Alex and Morgan; brother Daniel Barth; brother in law Chris Condes; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years Lois; siblings: John (Raydelle), Lamora (Warren) and June (Warren); nephew Rocky Reeder; niece Janet Reeder.

Joel proudly served his country during WWII in the US Navy in the South Pacific. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Munster and had a strong yet quiet faith that he passed, along with his unshakably strong work ethic, to his children and grandchildren. Joel was a "Jack of all Trades". He was a self-taught carpenter among other talents. He lived his life surrounded by women until his beloved Alex came along. Joel was an avid gardener and his favorite pastime was popping popcorn for everyone. He was truly a kind and generous man who would give the shirt off of his back to someone in need. Joel loved beaches, swimming, picnics, zoos, ice-skating, sledding and anything outdoors.

A memorial service will be held on Friday June 20, 2014 at 6:30 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave (corner of Main and Kennedy) Schererville with Pastor Donald Stock officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday at the funeral home from 3:30 PM until time of service.