In Memory

Joel Santos - Class Of 1980

Joel C. Santos, 50, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, peacefully in his sleep at his home.
Born in Manila, Philippines, on October 16, 1962, he was the son of Mila Santos and late Benjamin Santos. Along with his parents and his older sister, Edna, he immigrated in 1968 and took residence in Kenosha, WI. At St. Joseph high school, Joel was very involved in theater and also had the knack for the sciences. He went on to get his college degree in engineering from Devry University in Chicago, IL. After graduating he worked for Boeing Corporation, Sikorsky, McDonnell Douglas, and Airbus.
Joel loved the outdoors. He enjoyed going on hikes and walks with his best friend, Ms. Suki, playing tennis and golf, skiing, mountain biking, and scuba diving. He enjoyed traveling and going on “holidays” to places such as New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, Germany, and Guatemala. He also enjoyed movies and always had his face in a book.
Although Joel had no children of his own, his three nieces, Amy, Erin, and Corie and all of the other young children (and dogs) in the family loved Uncle Joel or UJ. He spoiled them with love and always found time to play and spend time with them. His favorite thing to do lately was to teach the younger children how to do “Vulcan high-fives”! All the kids thought he was so cool.
Joel loved spending time with his family, friends, and Ms. Suki. He was a truly devoted son, loving brother, adoring uncle, admiring nephew, kindhearted cousin, and a thoughtful friend. Survivors include his mother, Mila Santos; his dearest only sister, Edna (Richard) Anderson; his cherished and beloved nieces and goddaughters, Amy (Will) Anderson, Erin Anderson and Corie Anderson; his great-nephew Liam Anderson; his Aunts and Uncles, Rita (Teddy) Pablo, Elsa (Cesar) Cortez, Jenita Guzman, Teresita Guzman, Donnie (Rina) Lorenzo, Tito Nato and Tita Nida; his cousins, James Pablo, Janet Pablo, Ted Pablo Jr., Jenna Carrillo, Jenice Clark, Joyce Cartagena, Jon Ray Guzman, Cecil Guzman, Emily Roberts and the late Joan Guzman; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Philippines.
If he were here today, he wouldn’t be saying good-bye, but he’d be thanking us all for the moments we’ve all touched him in his life and instead of good-bye, he’d say “until next time and Cheers!”
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4th, at the Proko Funeral Home in Kenosha, WI, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Another short visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5th, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. James Cemetery.