Joel J. Troyer
April 6, 1955 ~ March 28, 2025
Joel J. Troyer was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas on April 6, 1955, one of five boys to Duane and Jean Troyer. He was tragically and unexpectedly taken from his family and friends on March 28, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, just a week before his 70th birthday.
Joel attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa and trained to be a mechanic in Kansas City. He moved to Wichita in 1979 working for Classen Electric as an electrician before cofounding ElectriCraft, Inc. in October of 1984. He served his community with honesty and integrity for over 40 years, touching the lives of so many along the way. He went above and beyond to treat his clients fairly and his employees like family, always putting people before profits. His oldest son followed in his footsteps, mentoring under him and serving beside him for many years.
Joel was steadfast in his faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible. He was, above all, a family man. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren more than anything and enjoyed traveling and spending time with them as much as possible. One of his favorite things to do was ride his motorcycle, taking many cross country trips with either Carol or his friends, but was also perfectly happy riding alone for the "throttle therapy". Joel was a kind and generous man of integrity who would gladly give of his time and energy to help anyone in need. He was loved by all that knew him and will leave a lasting legacy here on earth.
Joel is survived by his wife, Carol of 35 years; five children, their spouses and 11 grandchildren; Travis, wife Kara (Natalie, Ian and Ellie); daughter Jenny Simon, husband Adam (Bohdy, Jack, Rory); Mason, wife Eva (Lilly, Reese, Quinn); Reed, wife Makayla (James, Emma), and Preston, wife Madison; siblings, Ron (Judy); Scott (Jan); Bryan (Kristi); Corey (the late Diane), and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W. 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205. Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 4, 2025, at Ridgepoint Church, 8000 W. 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205. Services will be live streamed and available to view by clicking on the "Watch Now" button below. .His interment will be Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Marvin Cemetery in Glade, Kansas. A memorial has been established with Ridgepoint Church. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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I am sorry for your loss. I was privileged enough to have been given the opportunity to have known and worked with Joel on many Fuel sites for his entire career as an Electrician. He was always kind and caring to everyone he met. He answered every single time I would call whether he was working or on vacation and always first ask “what do you know?” I will miss those calls dearly. My heart goes out to his family and everyone that knew him. We will meet again I am sure.
God Bless.
Larry
So sorry to hear about the sudden and tragic passing of Joel. My parents have been friends with Joel and Carol for 30-some years and I had the privilege of knowing Joel growing up. I always understood him to be a positive, upbeat, willing-to-help sort of person to his core. He didn’t expect anything in return, used his handyman skills to help anyone out, and seemed to have infinite patience. He will be missed and remembered. Condolences to his family.
I met the Troyer Family @ Westlink Christian Church in 1999🤗 What a great blended family ~that’s how I met them~ they went to a blended family class and I was the caregiver on Thursday nights with Mason,Reed and Preston. I enjoyed having them in my class! I watched these 3 grow in God’s love because of their Godly loving parents! I always loved seeing Joel and Carol @ Church and Walmart. When we need an electrician we always called Travis @ Electri Craft good service every time! So sad a good man like Joel was taken wat to soon!!! RIP Joel⚘️
S
We built built a wonderful connection with Joel and Carol collaborating on the drama team brought out a lot of creativity and joy. We also found a shared interest in fitness. Being workout partners created a strong bond, as we support each other in our goals. Joel was a very positive person to be with. Always kind, very funny and a hard worker. He will forever be missed.
Mike and Lori Young
Worked with Joel during my time a QT. Was always a great guy. Condolences to his family. Randy Dunagan and family.
I met Joel and Carol at Westlink church in the early 90’s such a sweet couple. They were so kind and welcoming to our family as we settled in to our new church home.Prayers for all the hard days to come, hold tight to each other.
Genine Larson
We are very sorry for your loss. Jason and I loved coming over to the house and see you guys at roadhouse. Were sending love and prayers. We love you
Really really respected and admired Joel. Knew and worked with him for over 25 years. He will be sorely missed…
Tim Pace
May each and every one of you find the peace of Jesus in the upcoming days.
Heroes and hyphens
Summing up my friend Joel’s life, I keep coming back to one thought. Never will you meet a man who more faithfully lived his values. To that end Joel is my hero!
This roller coaster of life is a journey of ups and downs, triumphs & tragedies, all of which in the end boil down to a hyphen on a headstone. Everyone will have a hyphen, but it’s the legacy we leave in our wake that represents what that hyphen stands for. Joel’s hyphen represents an incredible husband, father, granddad, friend, mentor and on and on.
As we now bid farewell to Joel, our hearts are undoubtedly heavy with sorrow, yet at the same time, brimming with gratitude. Therefore, we say thank you Joel, for your unwavering friendship, mentorship, wise words, and your vibrant spirit. Although you’re no longer with us physically, nevertheless, the impact you had will forever resonate in our lives.
Throughout his life, Joel taught us the value of authenticity, while simultaneously showing us how to find happiness in life’s simple pleasures, and ultimately, the importance of always having space in our lives for new friendships. In essence, he led by example, demonstrating what it truly means to live with empathy, enthusiasm, and unconditional love for others.
Our friendship was written across the globe, each destination holding a special memory. The sunrise we watched from the top of Haleakalā while we were at Reed and Makayla’s wedding in Maui. The “was she wearing pants” incident in Texas when you, Mark and I were embarking on the paramotor adventure; or the MMA match in Florida (that sadly I lost to Jenny). Every place our families visited together became a piece of our shared story. But more than the exotic locales, it was Joel’s spirit of adventure and openness that made our travels so enriching.
As we bid farewell to Joel today, gathered from various corners of the world he touched, it feels like we’ve lost not just a friend, but a guide to the beauty of our diverse world. Thank you, Joel, for expanding our horizons, for showing us the true meaning of family and friendship, for the countless memories created. Though you’re no longer here to plan the next adventure, your spirit of wanderlust and openness will continue to inspire your families’ journeys. We love you, Joel! You Sir are my hero, and you have left an indelible mark on all of us with the hyphen of your life.
Carol, I am so sorry that I won’t be able to attend either event to give you a big hug and tell you how sorry I am . You and your family are forever in my heart. Love you!
Carol Bowen
Sending love and prayers to you all. Steve and I are so sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy
Carol and family, my heart breaks for you as you mourn the loss of Joel. I pray that God’s merciful comfort will reach into the deepest crevices of your broken heart and bring you his peace. Praying for each of you.
Dave Shank
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of your Father. Please know, you and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. We can’t begin to imagine the pain you’re all feeling right now. Our Deepest sympathys are with you.
Joel was one of the few in our victory bike club that rode his motorcycle all over the USA.. I was always impressed bye his love and the joy he got from riding. He definitely deserved several iron butt awards for riding so far and fast.
Joel you will forever be in our hearts and memories.
Greg Knox
Sending you all our heartfelt sympathy. We are thinking of the Troyer family and well as the ElectriCraft family.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Carol, I’m heartbroken for you and the kids. I love you, my friend. I wish I could be there to hug you♥️
My deepest sympathies to all of Joels family and friends. I had opportunity to visit with him many times over the course of our work together, and always found him in good spirits and loved talking about motorcycling with him. A good man gone too soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers. Joel was one of my favorite High School friends. He added so much to our community Christian Youth Group called Reach Out. He was a spiritual leader at a very young age and his faith in God was always present. His laugh and smiles were contagious. Of course, his ornery antics were always entertaining. After all there isn’t much to do in a small town, so he had many ways of creating fun… like padlocking the local Drive In exit gate shut, just to see all the red tail lights circling around and unable to leave thru the exit. How did he watch this? We climbed up on top of the High School building to watch from afar! One antic I remember was when he coerced me to climb the water tower ladder to see the huge light bulb on top!! He was certainly creative in his ideas of fun!! I’m guessing many have similar memories!! He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known and someone i will never forget. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and it is comforting to have that assurance. I will continue to keep the Troyer family in my prayers.
So sorry to hear about Joel. Will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.