08/18/1962 - 09/29/2021

Joseph Roland Klimczak passed away peacefully in his home, on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 in Gilbert, AZ, after a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We lost him sooner than expected, as he was just 59 years old.

Joe was born on August 18, 1962 in Chicago, IL. He spent his younger years in the city, but then moved out to the suburbs, and grew up with his family and friends in Mt. Prospect, IL. Joe attended Prospect High School and had a close circle of friends that he loved, and kept in touch with daily.

Joe joined many family members working at Deluxe Check Printers in Des Plaines, IL, spending many years there. He made many friends and had very fond memories. During that time, Joe also attended DePaul University. After leaving Deluxe, Joe started his own printing and promotional business, which he had for several years.

Following his printing days, Joe really took an interest in the financial world. He had worked with a variety of banks and lending institutions over the years, in a variety of roles. He worked with Cardunal Savings, Countrywide, Wells Fargo, and Chase, to name a few. Joe always worked hard and really loved his job.

Joe had dated Michele Harding for several years, before marrying her on Jan 2, 1998, at Grazi, in Des Plaines, IL. Joe and Michele were blessed with their only son, Bryce, in December of 2000. Joe was very proud of Bryce and all his accomplishments with both his education and lacrosse, especially his acceptance to Arizona State University’s Chemical Engineering program. Joe was elated that Bryce was also a hard worker, team player, and a strong leader, and was excited for what his future would hold. Joe also loved that Michele and Bryce share a close relationship. Their first home in 1998 was in Huntley, IL before they had their dream home built in 2005, in Algonquin, IL. The family resided there until they relocated to Gilbert, AZ in July 2013.

Joe always had a love for the family dogs, which were several over the years. Keeping a promise to his son, shortly after moving into their Algonquin home, he and Michele took Bryce to pick out their first yellow lab puppy. Bryce chose to name him Boomer. Boomer was your typical lab, with a lot of energy, and always getting into something. He was very loved, but over the years Joe became especially close to the Boom. He had daily conversations with him and would create daily posts with a picture on social media. He was working on a book based on their conversations, as everyone loved reading about him. Boomer passed away a few years ago, and Joe had a rough time losing his best friend. After losing Boomer, the family rescued Nala, another yellow lab. She fit right in, stole their hearts, and before you knew it, Joe was having daily chats and throwing a ball to her every day. He was back in his happy place.

Shortly after moving to AZ, Joe spent several months preparing for, and completing all of his series testing to become a Financial Advisor. He was very proud to have his name on the door of his own Edward Jones office. This is where he and Michele actually met their best friends in Gilbert, AZ. When the market shifted, Joe made a change back to Chase, where he earned a promotion to Private Client Advisor, with JP Morgan. Everyone at all of his branches thought highly of him, both his co-workers and clients. His strong work ethic recently earned him another promotion, which took him up north in the mountains, to Payson, AZ. He and Michele had their main home there, but kept a townhome in Gilbert, AZ, for Bryce to go to school, and to have a place in the valley to see Bryce and their friends.

Joe had a tough year with his fight, especially during the pandemic. He had a massive pulmonary embolism in December, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and started chemo. He got COVID in February, and once recovered, had more chemo and radiation. In hope of a cure, he endured a CAR-T cell transplant in June, which gave him extreme neurotoxicity, and landed him a 4-week hospital stay and injured kidneys. Joe had battled a lot of pain and nausea almost on a daily basis during this time. June 30 he was in complete remission, but by August 30, the cancer had returned with a vengeance. Joe elected no further aggressive treatment, as he and Michele had spent several days per week driving to and from Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and their Payson home, and he just wanted to enjoy the time that he had left with his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his loving wife and best friend Michele, and their beloved son Bryce, as well as additional family members; Sisters: Sharon (Bob) Fant, Kelly (Dave) Ross and Brother: Robert Klimczak Sister-in-Laws: Pam (Joe) Hendrickson and Adrienne Harding, along with many nieces, nephews and great nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Roland Klimczak and Ava Boyd, and his brother Tom Klimczak.

Everyone Joe met loved him and his kindness, his smile that could light up a room, and his bigger than life laugh, to make sure you knew he was there. Joe always enjoyed a good laugh with friends and traveling when he could. He enjoyed his music for sure, and had fun attending concerts with Michele. He loved a poker game, and enjoying a good bourbon, too. If you were looking for Joe on a Friday night, you could find him with Michele at a local happy hour, starting the weekend off right. Joe had a big personality and a crazy sense of humor. He was always the entertainer, keeping everyone laughing.

Joe will be missed by many, especially Michele and Bryce, but he is now pain free and at peace, and will be reunited with his loved ones, that he has been missing over the years.

Joe’s wishes were not to have a service and would like donations to be made to Mayo Clinic for further research for his lymphoma cancer. He had an amazing care team there, but additional research is still needed to find cures. Memorials can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/development Select Give Now on the right side, then select Gift Options on the next page, then page down to select Make this Donation a Tribute for, and enter Joseph Klimczak.

 

 

 

Condolences

  • Thoughts and prayers are with you and Bryce. Joe was one of a kind and will be missed greatly.

  • I don’t hardly know what to say. This comes as a shock to me. Joe as a very dear friend and always somebody who made me laugh without even trying. He was like the big brother that I never had. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Michelle, Bryce, and the rest of his family and friends.

  • So very sorry Michelle and Bryce. I hope healing comes with time and you can see him again under better circumstances..

  • To all who loved Joe – I did not have the privilege of knowing him in this life but it is clear he was extraordinary. From our family to yours, deepest condolences.

    Kai Kaniess & Philip Rood

  • A great photograph of Joe – exactly how I will remember him. I am saddened by his death, but happy he pain free and with those already gone. Prayers for comfort for Michelle, Bryce, Sharon and the rest of the family.

  • I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man. I worked with him at Edward Jones & loved him as a terrific person. May God bless you & comfort you 🙏 ❤

  • Eddie Lee Sheffield III

    Sending prayers and my god provide some peace during this difficult time.
    Eddie

  • While I only knew you for a short period of time, it was an honor. Rest in peace my friend.

  • So Sorry for your loss

  • Becky Stone Farmer

    Michele, I am so incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

  • My heart is heavy for you and Bryce. May God be with you both during this time of loss. God bless you my friend.🙏🏻

  • So sorry, just knew him a year, but was looking forward to many more years. Peace to you, your son and family.

  • Linda Benevento

    Michael and I are very sorry to hear about Joe. I loved baking things he enjoyed when we had get togethers at Bill and Annette’s house. We will miss his humor and kindness. Love 💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻

  • Joe and I used to sit in our Edward Jones meetings and talk about all kinds of ‘back home in Illinois’ stuff all the time. Bill would chime in and we’d just be flat disruptive. We laughed all the time. He was fun. Bright. Kind. Fair. And an all around great guy. I’ve said many prayers for him in the past week. I hope he hears them. Blessings to his family Michelle and Bryce.

  • Joe was one of those rare guys you like right away when you first meet him. Comforting, kind, true and genuine. We were friends since the early eighties, yes those were crazy times and also my most fond and best memories. We all used to say never hi five Joe he will break your wrists, but that wouldn’t stop us. I miss you my friend, you did well by your family, rest in peace.

  • Samantha Grooms

    I cried when learned the news of Joe’s passing, but I am glad he is no longer in pain and you all got to share those last few months together. He was truly the best work husband anyone could ever ask for. He always knew when to give guidance and strength when I needed it. You are in our prayers.

  • While Joe and I were not in touch very often these last few year. I lost a friend a mentor and a lousy golf partner with his passing. My heart is broken. May his memory always be a blessing to Michele and Bryce

  • My heart is shattered at hearing this sudden news. Every single word in that obituary describes the wonderful man that I only met within the past 6 years or so. I am reminded today of how deeply an unexpected loss can cut to the core…especially when it is someone as young and vibrant as Joe Klimczak. I soooo admired his connection to Boomer and Nala, and when we would talk, naturally this love would come up. I wish that he could have finished his book of conversations, but I can only presume that he is working on the finishing touches as I type this. I can only imagine the reunion that he and Boomer are experiencing, and I’d guess that their conversations go on and on and on. My heart is breaking for Michele, Bryce and Nala, but I must believe that there is great comfort in knowing that Joe is no longer suffering. Joe was one of the good guys. His smile sure did light up the room. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed. I am grateful to have shared just a little light with him. I won’t forget it. Rest in peace my friend. Give Boomer some loving from me.

  • I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Joe prior to his move to Payson. He was great to work with and his infectious smile will surely be missed!

  • I was shocked and saddened by the news of Joes passing. I had no idea of his struggle. Joe and I were very close during and after high school. He was a good and kind friend and his passing will be mourned for some time

  • I’m was so sorry to hear Joe past away. I enjoyed reading his post about you Michelle, Bryce and your Pups. The pictures he posted , always showed his happiness and true love for his family.
    I worked at Deluxe with Joe, his Father Roland and brother Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless and may Joe Rest In Peace. 💙

  • Elizabeth Schnoll

    Michelle & Bryce,
    We cannot begin to express the shock and sadness learning the very sad news of Joe’s passing. He may be gone from us but we know he is in heaven watching over you both.
    We were so lucky to have met and gotten to know Joe, if only briefly. What a funny , warm personable guy who clearly adored you, Michelle and loved being your dad Bryce!
    We can only hope all the wonderful memories you both have of time spent with Joe provides you comfort at this sad and difficult time.
    We are all better for having known Joe!
    God Bless you and keep you!
    Our warmest regards,
    Liz & Jon Schnoll

  • Kim & Dave Barra

    It is said, when we think of a loved one who has passed it adds length to their lives and meaning to our own. Think of him often and fondly. 💚🕊& ((((Hugs)))). Kim & Dave

  • Joe was a bright light in everything he did. We worked together at Countrywide. Loved his posts with his conversations with his beloved dogs. He will be missed. Simply a great guy!

  • My sincerest sympathies Michelle and Bryce. My heart goes out to you both and continue with prayers for you. We’ll always draw off those many memories of Joe’s strength and character and his humor was endless. Growing up with Joe had many moments of hilarious memories. You can imagine. He was in many ways the same kid as in high school. Even though we texted daily we never heard any complaints about his struggles, just his infectious sarcasm and humor. He kept his youthful attitude and we all will miss him a lot. Good bless you both.

  • Joe and I worked together for many years at Deluxe both in the Bensenville and Des Plaines facilities. He was a fun guy with a disarming personality that would charm many throughout the years. It was interesting that a couple of years ago I received call from my nephew in Arizona asking if I knew Joe. He informed me that Joe was his financial planner. What a small world it is. Praying for Michell and Bryce as they go through this tough transition of losing a father and a husband. Praying that you are comforted by the fact that Joe will be reunited with his family one day again soon. He is most likely playing software (16 inch I hope) in heaven with Roland, Tom and Jesus (yes, I’m sure Jesus enjoys a good game with a 16 inch clincher, as long as my brother Tim is not playing. He could though those balls harder than anyone I know).

    Numbers 6:24-26
    24 The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
    25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
    26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

    Amen

  • My heart goes out to you and Bryce! I see that smile and hear that wonderful laughter that follows. So honored to have known and been in his presence!

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