Funeral Details

Joel “Puddy” Walner

October 1, 1955 - May 29, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM

Memorial Service

Congregation Or Shalom
21 Hawthorn Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Ari Margolis
Cantor Laurie Akers
Congregation Or Shalom

Interment - Private

Shiva

Congregation Or Shalom
21 Hawthorn Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Get Directions
Following the service until 8PM
Minyan 5:45PM

Memorial Contributions

Orphans of the Storm
2200 Riverwoods Road
Riverwoods, Illinois 60015
wwww.orphansofthestorm.org/donate
or
Congregation Or Shalom
21 Hawthorn Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
www.orshalomlc.org





OBITUARY

Joel “Puddy” Walner.

Beloved husband of Cookie. Loving father of Marni (Chris) Waters and Amanda (Ryan) Cutright. Proud grandfather of Jemma, Ian, Isaac, Lincoln, and Jonah. Dear brother of Cookie (Barry) Saffrin. Fond uncle of many. He left the party early for the first time. He will be missed. Memorial service Tuesday, 3PM at Congregation Or Shalom, 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Orphans of the Storm 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, Illinois 60015, wwww.orphansofthestorm.org/donate or Congregation Or Shalom, 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061, www.orshalomlc.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Joel “Puddy” Walner below and we will share them with the family.
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A light has gone out, and the world is a darker place with Joel (Puddy) no longer in it. He had a heart of gold, but not one that could withstand the ravages of time and nature. Husband, father, family man, friend, and sushi chef par excellence, he is, and will always be, missed.

Jeffrey Spivak
May 30, 2025
Joel Walner or as I knew him as Papa or Puddy my grandpa. He was such a caring man, wanted everyone to be his friend. He enjoyed the little things in life like making sushi, or collecting and enjoying SpongeBob. He loved showing me the songs he listened to. He always told me he enjoyed the YouTube version of songs better because hearing live audiences made it better, and the Apple Music didn’t do the songs justice. He always made the room lighter, talking about random stuff that somehow always made me chuckle. He loved samples at Costco and when we were there made sure to get every single one. He hated spending money, but when I asked him to get me a snack or anything he would always splurge. He was a coupon warrior. He always made sure to tell us he loved me and our family, wether it was through a text message, a voicemail, a random call, or sharing what his rainbow was at the dinner table. He would always show up to sporting events even though he rested his eyes half the time. His favorite outfit was the SpongeBob crew neck we got him that was embroidered characters and a rainbow, his fanny pack, his loafers, and his eggplant socks that yes he even wore out in public. Words can not express how much I will miss him, his funny antics, random words, his obsession with random things, his want for me and everyone around him to be happy, and to have the best life and future, his Panera cups, goofy outfits, and random stories, he was truly such a light in everyone’s life’s, and a light that was gone way too soon. He will always be loved and cherished in my heart.

Jemma Waters
May 31, 2025
Very sorry to you all for this horrible loss. Joel was a very special part of our lives for a long time. A mentor to me as a young father and homeowner. A good friend and kind heart. Lots of wonderful memories with him. I will miss seeing him in the yard as I drive by on Horatio. Too soon😢

Steven Appelbaum
June 1, 2025
Joel was a friend and neighbor who was willing to help with anything. He and I talked music more times than I can remember. Joel loved to talk and I am already missing our conversations. The world has lost a great one. May he rest in peace.

Dan Hirschberg
June 1, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences.

With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Jeff and Linda Stone

Jeff and Linda Stone
June 1, 2025
I will miss you so much uncle Puddy. 🙂‍↕️

LeAnne Treanor
June 1, 2025
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Joe. May his memory be a blessing for you cooking your children and your grandchildren.

Joyce Friedman
June 2, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Joel a couple of times but there was one instant that truly inspired me to be a better audiophile! Joel and I had a very long discussion about vinyls and the equipment needed to get a phenomenal sound. He definitely said things that few way over my head - but to find someone who appreciated music as much as I do was truly gratifying. At the time, I was a casual collector and I had no record player. After our conversation, I went out and purchased my first studio quality record player and speaker system. I credit him for showing me the importance of pouring into your hobbies and what makes you feel grounded and at peace.

Joel - The impact you had on me was life changing and I can only imagine the impact you have had on your family, friends, and everyone around you. Rest easy brother, you will be dearly missed!

Preston Blackburn
June 2, 2025
Our deepest condolences to fellow dog lovers.
We would always see Joel outside when walking our dog past his house. He was always willing to have a conversation and he will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Mindy and Mark

Mark and Mindy Kessler
June 4, 2025