Joel P. Heller, Sr.

Joel P. Heller, Sr., SSG, U.S. Army Retired, 75, of Port Byron, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at home with his loving family by his side.

Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, at Rock Island National Cemetery, where the Vietnam Veterans of the Quad Cities will present military honors. Those wishing to attend should meet in the parking lot at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, at 10:15 a.m. The family invites friends to join them at The Edge Eatery and Drinkatorium in Rapids City, Illinois, immediately following burial. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Memorials may be made to Patriot Guard Riders of the Quad Cities.

Joel Paul Heller was born January 11, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Inez Heller. He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving more than ten years overseas in Germany and Korea before retiring in 1985. While stationed in Korea, he met the love of his life, Sucha Song, and the couple married on April 6, 1973, in Seoul, South Korea. Following his military career, Joel worked for the U.S. Government as a logistical management specialist until 2011. He later served as a program manager with Booz Allen Hamilton for several years before fully retiring in 2014.

Joel attended Grace Korean Church in Moline and was a true patriot who believed in supporting American-made products. He loved motorcycles—especially Harley-Davidsons—and enjoyed both riding and working on them. Above all else, family was most important to Joel, particularly his beloved grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sucha Heller; a daughter, Susan Heller of Milwaukee; a son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Aishia Heller of Colona, Illinois; four grandchildren, Joseph Heller, Michael Heller, Rhyan Blanks, and Nevaeh Heller; his great-granddaughter, Alexandria Blanks-Lopez; numerous siblings including Joyce Heller and Jerry Heller; and dear friends, Angelo Borelli and Donnie Hunt.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.