Joel Christopher Stutzman

Joel Christopher Stutzman, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 36 on July 3rd, 2023. Our family is devastated and shocked by this loss. Joel was born on July 23^rd, 1986 in Wooster, Ohio to parents Jim & Connie Stutzman.  Joel is survived by his mother Connie Stutzman-Huntzinger (Joe) of Columbus, Ohio, daughter Stella Stutzman Ellel of El Mirage, AZ, brother Nicholas Stutzman of Parkersburg, WV, sister Lindsay Gerard (Drew) of Chandler, AZ, nieces Lena Stutzman and Avery Gerard, nephews Ryan Stutzman, Lincoln Gerard, Theodore Gerard, and many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Jim Stutzman, Grandmother Colleen Hinkle, Grandfather William Hinkle, Grandmother Katie Stutzman and Grandfather Henry Stutzman.

Joel was a free spirit with a loving soul, he had an infectious laugh with a smile that lit up the room, he always wanted to help others, and was a joy to be around. Joel was a cherished and loved member of a large extended family, being one of twelve cousins. Joel worked many different jobs throughout his life, enjoyed music and cooking, was a stellar athlete in high school, and a baseball fan all his life (just like his dad). Joel’s daughter was his source of light and his motivation in life, the best parts of him will live on in Stella.

A memorial service is being held for Joel on what would have been his 37th birthday, July 23^rd 2023, at 4 pm at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home in Gilbert, Arizona. A memorial service in Ohio will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Joel’s funeral costs, make a contribution to support his daughter, and anything extra will be donated to various Mental Health charities in Joel’s name. You can find the donation page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-joel-stutzman