Joseph "Joey" Thomas Shellenberg, 26, left behind the tribulations of this earth on Friday, September 1, 2017. His battle with a years'-long illness finally concluded, allowing him the peace one can only know in an eternity with our savior, Jesus Christ.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, John Shellenberg, who passed at the age of 58. He is survived by his 3 year old son, Joshua Shellenberg; his wife, Kerri Shellenberg; his mother, Kathy Jo Shellenberg; and his sister, Jenna Busler.

For those who had the pleasure of knowing Joey, you were rewarded with a caring and compassionate friend, a source of unending laughter, and a fertile wellspring of both obvious and hidden talents. Ever the life of the party, Joey possessed a vibrant gregariousness that endeared him to all he would meet during his precious time on earth.

When God takes someone so young, we are all left with a sorrow more raw, more unexplainable, than when someone older passes away. God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy, knows the unknowable, and picks his angels when he needs them, or to protect them from the trials of life when they've become too much to endure. Although Joey was called home while he was still in bloom, he did have time to provide the world the greatest gift any man can give, a child, Joshua Thomas. We will all see Joey in Josh as he grows, and make no mistake, Joey will see Josh grow from a front row seat we can only imagine.

We should all take solace in the relief Joey now enjoys having finished his race, and his battles with a demon that the rest of us can never understand. His optimism for a new dawn and his infinite love for his son were undaunted and growing until the moment of his passing, and indeed, will continue to grow in death. For we, his friends and family, have an obligation to Joey to celebrate and perpetuate all the joy he provided to us, and to let his son grow to know the man we all loved. His legacy should not be defined by his struggles, but rather as the unique, jovial, artistic, and vivacious friend he worked so hard to be for all of us.

Joey has joined both his earthly father, John, and his eternal father, our God, in a warm embrace at Heaven's gate. The grill is cranking, his bike is gassed up, and the guitar is singing sweetly. It is Sublime. He knows no pain, and is perfect now and forever more.

Memorials will be made to Joey's son Joshua's Education Fund. Online condolences at www.richesonfh.com.

Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Richeson Funeral Home, Troy, Ill.

Funeral Services at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Maryville Baptist Church, Maryville, Ill. Interment at Friedens Cemetery, Troy, Ill.

RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.