He was born December 14, 1958, in Tazewell, Virginia, to Leonard “Buck” Greer and Marjorie “Elva” (Burnop) Greer. The family moved to Illinois when Joe was a young child, but his heart never left the mountains. Joe was an avid music lover his whole life, which he credits his father for. He played trumpet with the Rock Falls High School Marching Rockets and had the honor of playing his guitar in many local bands and at jam sessions, making countless friends along the way.
On September 8, 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Jacqueline (Powell) Greer. Together they had two children, Joseph (Tina) Greer, Jr. of Maryland and Amanda (Jake) Koelling of Rock Falls. The family continued to grow with the addition of four grandchildren: Alexia (Kris) Netemeyer of Virginia; Kollin Greer of Maryland; and Lane Koelling and Karter Koelling, both of Rock Falls. Joe was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Adeline and Theodore Netemeyer of Virginia.
Joe was a devoted fan, even in the hard times, of the Chicago Bears, Cubs and Bulls. He was a visionary. He always had big dreams and plans for the future, whether it was home improvements, building furniture in his garage, or moving back to the mountains and having a Buck’s Drive-In footlong hot dog anytime he wanted.
He enjoyed watching This Old House and other woodworking videos, which his grandson referred to as his “old man shows.” Joe had the ability to talk to anyone and make it sound like they’d known each other for years. He never met a stranger. He was an extraordinary friend. If he was able to help you, he would, no questions asked. His smile was contagious, and his cheesy jokes were on point.
Joe is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, Stanley (Linda) Greer of Virginia and Dale (Brenda) Greer of Rock Falls; sisters, Deb Goodwin of Rock Falls and Marcia (Mike) Henderson of Alabama; along with several nieces and nephews.
Joe was met in Heaven by his grandparents, parents, and many other family and friends who had gone on before him.
On Saturday, October 3, there will be a visitation held at Abiding Word Church in Sterling from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a funeral service immediately following. Joe’s final resting place will be at Wassum Cemetery in the mountains of Virginia that he loved so much.
