Joel Adam Almquist, age 82, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025.

Born on December 24, 1942 in Houston, TX, Joel was the eldest child of Nora and T.W. Almquist. He was a native Houstonian, graduating from Sam Houston High School in 1961. In 1969, Joel met Madeline Sheffield after both had joined a church bowling league. On May 29, 1971, they were married at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and went on to be happily married for 54 years, raising two daughters and several stray dogs that continually came into their lives.

Joel was an artist at heart, a true lefty. As a child, he learned to play the piano and had a remarkable gift for picking up songs by ear. He loved anything that involved working with his hands. Professionally, he followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a brick mason and eventually taking over the family business. Much of his work still stands today in neighborhoods throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. As a one-man operation, he valued the flexibility it gave him to prioritize time with his family.

Outside of work, Joel enjoyed bowling, playing piano, fishing, taking long road trips to historical parks, and being with his family and friends. He had a passion for taking photos, especially slide photography, and was often seen with a camera around his neck everywhere he went. One of his favorite pastimes was setting up his slide projector to show off the latest family vacation photos.

Joel and his family were parishioners at St. Charles and St. Matthews for many years. In 1994, they moved to Prince of Peace Catholic Community, where they have been active members ever since. He volunteered with different ministries throughout his life from helping with church bazaars to fish fries, and even vacation bible school with his grandkids.  Joel never knew a stranger, and those who knew him will remember him as being kind, warm, and offered everyone he met a meal.

Joel is survived by his wife, Madeline, daughters and sons-in-law, Alysse and Jim McNiel and Janna and Ryan Armstrong, his grandchildren, Adelyne, Ayla, Leighton, and Tennery, and sister, Magdelyne Wages, along with numerous nephews and a niece.

Visitation will be held at Klein Funeral Home at Champions on Friday, May 23rd from 5-8pm, with a Vigil at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 24th at 12pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, with the Burial following at 2pm at Klein Memorial Park off 2920. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories.