Joel Ray Heaton, age 65, a resident of Oak Park, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2025, a date that carries deep meaning for his family, as the second day of March also marks the passing of his eldest daughter, Rachel, in 2007. Joel will always be remembered for his creativity, intelligence, quick wit, and deep curiosity about the world.

Joel was born on May 27, 1959, in Brigham City, Utah, to Glen Norman Heaton and Doris Hunsaker Heaton. The Heaton family moved often, living in Utah, Nevada, and California before settling in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Joel graduated from Glenbard West High School, where he played football and built lasting friendships. He was a beloved brother to his sisters, Kathy and Nancy.

After high school, Joel worked on his Aunt Pamela's farm in Wisconsin and then served a mission in South Africa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1981 to 1983. While there, he became fluent in Afrikaans and met Veronica Elizabeth Taylor. After returning to the States, Joel soon went back to South Africa, where he and Veronica married. He pursued civil engineering studies at The University of The Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.  Joel and Veronica's first child, Rachel Pearl Heaton, was born in 1985.

Joel and his family returned to Glen Ellyn in 1986. Joel and Veronica devoted themselves to Rachel's care after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three. In a testament to their love and strength, each parent donated a kidney to help save her life. Their son Cheyne Raymond was born in 1990, followed by daughter Nicolet Aleta ("Niykee") in 1994.

Joel was a gifted craftsman and master carpenter known for custom furniture, spiral staircases, and intricate woodworking details. He also became a licensed commercial driver, operating semi-trailer trucks and snow plows. But his true passion was always nature. He felt most at home in the outdoors—whether rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, or simply walking through the woods. He taught his children how to build campfires, use a compass, and find peace in the wilderness.

He had a deep love for the American West and its landscapes, admiring artists who captured its grandeur, like Albert Bierstadt. He also loved the Mississippi River Valley and Southwest Michigan. Joel had an enduring fascination with Native American history, was passionate about tribal rights, and was committed to environmental protection.

Music was woven into his life. He admired artists such as Waylon Jennings, Gram Parsons, Sinead O'Connor, and Neil Young. Joel also had a knack for discovering new talent before the rest of the world caught on, often surprising his children, nieces, and nephews by knowing more about up-and-coming niche musicians than they did.

Long after leaving South Africa, Joel remained a fan of the Springboks, the national rugby team of South Africa. He became a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan thanks to a touching gesture during Rachel's hospital stay at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. He also followed the Australian Football League, motocross, surfing, and cycling.

Joel had a unique sense of humor, often quoting from his favorite films, like Lost in Austen. He would reference the character, Wickham, with a wry, "One does one's best."  Some of Joel's other favorite films included The Last of the Dogmen, Timerider, and Hostiles.  He loved the miniseries A Town Called Alice and the BBC series Death Comes to Paradise.  His favorite authors included Herman Hesse, Henry David Thoreau, and John Muir.

Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Doris, and his daughter, Rachel Pearl Heaton. He is survived by his former wife, Veronica Taylor Cvek; his children, Cheyne Heaton and Niykee Heaton; his sisters, Kathy Heaton Smith and Nancy Heaton DeLoach; his brothers-in-law, Budd Smith and William DeLoach; two grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

Joel was many things—a builder, a seeker, an adventurer, a protector, a father. He will be remembered for his free spirit, his love of wild places, and the gentle fire he carried in his heart.

Services will be held privately.

Memorial gifts may be directed to: Native American Heritage Association https://www.naha-inc.org/donate/

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

or Sierra Club https://www.sierraclub.org/ways-to-give

Family and friends may sign a guestbook at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.