Joseph D. Fell

Joseph D. Fell, age 85, passed away on November 16, 2025. He was the oldest son born to Abe and Eleanor) Fell. Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen; his children, Karyn (David), Sam (Alexandria), Peter (Audrey), Erin (Russ), Jody, and Pam; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Frank (Jan); and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Ruthie and Bitsy.

Joe attended New Trier High School, where he was on the staff of the New Trier News, the school’s student newspaper. He loved printing as a young boy, and this interest took him to Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with a degree in Printing Management. After working for Hall Printing and later Hollister Printing, Joe joined the family business, The Fell Company, as the Controller.

Joe joined the Illinois Air National Guard (126th Air Refueling Wing (TAC) at O’Hare, and the unit was “awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service in Support of military operations.” He received an Honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant.

Joe was active in civic and community affairs all of his adult life in Winnetka, where he grew up. He was a founding member of the Winnetka and Northfield Jaycees and later became a very active member of Winnetka Northfield Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow) until he moved. The Winnetka Chamber of Commerce honored Joe as “Winnetka Man of the Year.”.

While living in Winnetka, he served the Village on the Plan Commission, the Zoning Board, as a representative to the Nortran Board and as a Village Trustee. He later became New Trier Township Collector.

Joe had many interests: trains, travelling, the Winnetka Community Theater (WCT), astronomy (he volunteered at the Adler Planetarium), woodworking, and brought early computerization to the Fell Company. He met his wife, Karen, at WCT, and the Winnetka Community House was a special place in their life. Travel was a major part of their life, and they were fortunate to have friends in different parts of the world whom they visited as often as possible. Through Rotary, they also hosted Fellowship groups from various parts of the world.

A Celebration of Joseph’s Life will be held at a future date in Winnetka.

Suggested memorials in Joseph’s name: Winnetka-Northfield Rotary Charitable Foundation; WBEZ (Chicago) or Wisconsin Public Radio.