Joe K. Noe, 78, of Blandinsville, Illinois, passed away at 7:38 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022 at Roseville Rehabilitation & Health Care in Roseville, Illinois.

Joe was born July 16, 1944 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the son of Fred and Bonnie (Kielley) Noe. On June 6, 1987 he married Loretta "Lorri" Russ at the Aurora Christian Church in Aurora, Illinois.

Mr. Noe was a graduate of Naperville High in Naperville, Illinois. He attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and received his bachelors degree from Milligan University in Elizabeth, Tennessee. Joe was an ordained minister and preached at various churches earlier in life. He and Lorri resided in Blandinsville for the past 25 years.

Joe had a passion for raising and training Llewellin Setters. He enjoyed running and participating in field trials with his dogs and often judged the competitions. His passion lead him to write a weekly outdoor sports column for the Bureau County Republic Newspaper and numerous other magazine articles.

Joe was instrumental in obtaining two large state parks in Illinois. The first being Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park and the second being Pyramid State Park, both allow horseback field trails to this day. Joe presented the proposal to obtain the land at Pyramid State Park to the Illinois General Assembly at the capital in Springfield. This resulted in a unanimous vote for the acquisition of the land. Pyramid State Park has field trials and many other outdoor sports available to the public.

Survivors include his wife: Lorri of Blandinsville, four children, three step-children, numerous grandchildren and one sister: Bonnie Noe of Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.