Joel Maderer
OBITUARY
Joel Maderer passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026. He was the youngest of the three children of Raymond Maderer and Muriel (Ross) Maderer. In 1969 Joel graduated from the University of Illinois, where he learned the basics of the four languages that he spoke fluently, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Spanish. Later he earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin. Joel’s career was with the Chicago Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where he made a profound difference in the lives of countless children and families, advocating for their safety, dignity, and well-being. He was also a deacon in the Metropolitan Community Church, which was founded in 1968 by Rev. Troy Perry to address the specific needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. He enjoyed playing bridge, bowling, square dancing, and gardening. He also collected masks and cookbooks from all parts of the world, and DVDs of a wide variety of movies. For twenty-six years he shared a loving relationship with his partner, Jack Shreve. Together, they built a life grounded in care, loyalty, and mutual respect, along with their beloved dog, Gabby. Joel was preceded in death by his sister Charlotte Jackson and brother Charles Maderer and survived by sister-in-law, Kathleen (Voermanns) Maderer. He is lovingly remembered by his three nephews and niece: Joel (Melissa) Maderer, Pete Maderer, Christian (Kelly) Maderer, and Amy Maderer, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry forward his memory. He also held a special bond with his cousin, Carol Hyde, in whose home he spent his teenage years. Donations to honor Joel can be made to the American Diabetes Association, Paws Medical Center and Clinic of Chicago, and the Human Rights Association, the nation’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.