Joel Spear, of Scandia, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 64. He was born on October 11, 1961, to Darreld & Lila (Volsteadt) Spear in Concordia Kansas. He attended Jamestown Public Schools. On September 25, 1982, he married Madonna Sjolander, and to this union 2 sons were born. Joel and Madonna later divorced but remained lifelong friends.
Joel worked for Lee Trenching, Kyle Railroad, Republic County Highway Department and Love’s Truck Stop. In his spare time, he loved to do woodworking and made many beautiful items. He enjoyed remodeling and home repair projects. He also loved working on vehicles, especially his old motorcycle.
Joel is preceded in death by his parents, Darreld & Lila Spear, a brother Donald Spear, and his brother-in-law Richard Huffman.
He is survived by his sons Blake (Lauren) of Solomon, Kansas, and Brett (Shanae) of Norway, Kansas; his brother Mark (Kelli) Spear of Concordia, Kansas; his four sisters Mary (Harry) Riley of Concordia, Kansas, Gail Huffman of Nelson, Nebraska, Linda (Gary) Walker of Belleville, Kansas, and Dee Mendenhall of Culver, Kansas; his father-in-law Bud Sjolander; and 5 grandchildren: Destannie, Blayden, Cooper, Beckett and Brynlee, also many nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service is being planned for a later date.
