Joseph "Joe" Gschwind, 78, passed away on January 20, 2025, in Ellenton, Florida.
Hey God! It's me, Joe, I'm home. It pains me to admit it, but apparently, I have passed away.
Joe was a devoted father to Liz (Mike) Gamache of Rockford, IL; Sean Gschwind of IL; and Alyce Salerno of North Aurora, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Caroline, Joshua, Zach, Nicholas, and Anthony. Born to the late Doris (Kornely) and Arthur Gschwind Sr., Joe grew up alongside his sister and five brothers: Sandra (Robert) Harmon, Arthur Jr. (Jan) Gschwind, Bill Gschwind, Ed (Sara) Gschwind, and Daniel Gschwind. He will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, many nieces, nephews, cousins-especially Janet and Bobby Magee-and countless friends.
A graduate of Lake Park High School's Class of 1965 in Roselle, IL, Joe excelled in track and field. He went on to become a skilled Union Carpenter with Local 558 and proudly served as a U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Completing three tours during the Vietnam War, he earned numerous medals, including the prestigious Purple Heart. Each year, he celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday in full uniform-remarkably, it still fit him!
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Sandra and her husband Robert Harmon; and his brother Daniel Gschwind.
To honor Joe's love for Florida, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to the left of the Beach Café on Anna Maria Island, 4000 Manatee Avenue, Holmes Beach, FL. A Military Honors 21-Gun Salute will take place at sunset. A second celebration will be held in Roselle, IL, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A Military Honors 21-Gun Salute will commence at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Park High School's football field, followed by a gathering from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Club, 344 E. Maple Ave, Roselle, IL.
Joe's family extends heartfelt gratitude to Janet and Bobby Magee for always being there for their dad, creating special memories, weathering many storms, and now, helping them in their time of need.
Dad, your spirit is tireless, our gratitude endless, and our love forever.
If you want to, you can look for Joe in the beautiful Florida evening sunsets, or among the people that he has loved and cherished so deeply and the friendships he has held so closely, or you can look for him among those sipping a bit of Sambuca in his honor or hitting the dance floor listening to his favorite band/band members, 22N. Most of all, he will always be with you in your hearts and memories, missing him as much as I am sure he is missing you.
OORAH!
