Joel Walter Marreel, 57, of Hooper passed away May 17, 2025 in Fremont.
Joel was born to Marvin and Connie (Hummel) Marreel on October 3, 1967 in Fremont. Joel attended school at Hooper Elementary and Logan View high school where he graduated in 1986. During his high school years, he worked at Hoegemeyer Hybrids and helped his dad with the auctioneer business, Marv Marreel & Associates, which later became Marreel & Associates.
Immediately following graduation, Joel attended Southeast Community College in Milford where he studied auto mechanics and graduated in 1988. On February 20, 1988 Joel married Tammi (Uhing) Marreel. They welcomed two children, Joshua, Marvin and Abigale Katerine.
Joel’s first job after college graduation was a mechanic at Sid Dillon Chevrolet in Fremont. After his Dad’s passing in 1994 Joel had the opportunity to do his true passion and took over the auction business located in Hooper. Joel received his real estate license and formed Timber Creek Properties with Lonny Niewohner. Following his love for auctioneering, it led him to jobs at Taylor & Martin in Fremont, Big Iron located in St Edward, and the job that he absolutely loved, Vancer in Lincoln. But, his most honorable and loved job was being a grandpa aka “Papa” to his 4 grandchildren.
Joel was a past EMT/fireman for the Hooper Volunteer Fire Dept,, member/past president of the Dodge County fair board, Nebraska Auctioneers Assoc. (where he was a top 10 finalist in a bid calling contest in 1998), Hooper Masonic Lodge #72 AF & AM, Friendship Chapter #122 Order of the Eastern Star, and an organization his son Josh helped create, Miles For Heroes Inc.
Joel loved deer hunting every year with Chris, Mike and Josh. Every summer was spent camping, especially at his own campground while catching fish and enjoying a campfire. An annual motorcycle trip with dear friends was usually a summer highlight. Florida trips to Disney World with Tammi were always special times, and if the kids and grandkids were lucky, they were asked to come along! His greatest hobby was working on old vehicles, especially his 1972 Chevrolet C10.
Joel is survived by:
His wife Tammi of 37 years
Son Josh (Miranda) Marreel and grandchildren Fallon and Waylon of Waterloo Illinois
Daughter Abi Marreel and grandchildren Harper and Preslee of Blair
Parents Connie and Don Havekost of Hooper
Sister Jill (Bart) Woodward of Minden
Many nieces and nephews
Joel was preceded in death by his father, Marvin in 1994.
Memorials may be directed to the family for a future scholarship fund to be designated for a student enrolling into a trade school.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 22 with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. The funeral will be 10:01 a,m,, Friday, May 23, 2025, also at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Burial will be at a later date.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
