Joel Cody Wilson was born on February 15, 1973, in Denver, Colorado to Leslie and Cheryl (Bishop) Wilson and passed away on February 18, 2025, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 52 years and 3 days.

Joel spent a portion of his childhood growing up in Denver, Colorado until his family made the move to Ulysses, Nebraska when he was 8 years old. Joel attended Seward High School and graduated with the Class of 1991. After high school, Joel worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant for the majority of his life until he became disabled. Joel was united in marriage to Nicole Wilson on December 21, 2012. The couple later moved to Utica, Nebraska. Joel always found great joy in receiving greeting cards in the mail for all occasions. He loved his car, playing video games and listening to music. He also loved his dogs. Joel kept a lot of his childhood toys and especially loved his GI Joe and Star Wars toys. Joel was described to be engrossed in knowledge, very passionate with his beliefs and enjoyed debating with people on various subjects. Above all, he was a proud father and would always look forward to family night every Thursday.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Nicole Wilson; his children and their spouses, Anthony (Vicki) Wilson, Caden, Naomi (Payton Cradick) Wilson, Jeremy Vargas; parents, Leslie and Cheryl Wilson.