04/28/2026
Joachim J.H. Briel
Joachim J. H. Briel (Joe), age 88, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength, service, craftsmanship and dedication to family and community. Born on June 9, 1937, in Hannover, Germany, his early life was marked by travel and resilience. As a young man, he lived in Toronto, Canada, and later in Australia, before returning by boat, traveling the world, back to Germany. Determined to build a life in the United States, he entered the country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
Joachim proudly served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Corporal, stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, a proud member of Force Recon, an elite unit within the US Marine Corps. During his military service, he served as a paratrooper, attended Mountain Leadership School in California and completed specialized underwater submarine training.
While in the miliary, he married Silvia Schnull, who was also from Hannover Germany. His military service reflected the courage, discipline and determination that defined his life.
After his honorable discharge, Joachim moved to Pittsburg with his wife, Silvia and daughter, where he worked in a foundry, which he earned an apprenticeship for while still living in Germany. He later moved to Milwaukee, where he remained in the foundry industry, before settling in Sandwich, where he worked as a foreman at the Monarch Foundry in Plano.
In 1969, Joachim founded his own business, Vin-Al Siding Company, which he owned and operated with pride and craftsmanship for more than 50 years. His skilled work can be seen on countless homes, churches and buildings throughout the area where he formed many lasting friendships with fellow craftsmen.
Fitness and strength training were lifelong passions for Joachim. His love of working out began as a fourth-grade student in Germany and continued throughout his life. He competed in numerous weightlifting championships in Germany and Canada and even attended the Olympics while living in Australia, aspiring to compete for Germany. Later in Sandwich, he opened a gym above the Old State Theater in downtown Sandwich, creating a welcoming space where local high school students, men and women alike could train for sports, fitness and bodybuilding.
Joachim was deeply committed to his community. He was a dedicated member of the Sandwich Rotary Club and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in recognition of his service. He also served as the manager of Pine Mound Cemetery for over 40 years. His love for nature was evident in the hundreds of trees he planted on his family's property.
Above all, Joachim was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Silvia, his daughters Diane (Patrick) Stilson and Leslie Kaplan, his grandsons, Ryan (Bailey) Stilson and Samuel Kaplan, and his granddaughter, Hannah Kaplan and his Sister, Ursula (Gunter) Henschel.
Per Joachim's request, there will be no public service. His life was one of service, hard work, strength and generosity, and his memory will live on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.
A special thank you to those that visited Joe and to Heartland Hospice of DeKalb, IL.
Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com
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