Joel Sadilek

JOEL ROBERT SADILEK

Cedar Rapids

Joel Robert Sadilek, 48, of Los Angeles, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, in Los Angeles. Services were held Aug. 13 at Hollywood Forever, Hollywood, Calif. A second service will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at St. Pius Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Private burial will take place at a later time.

Surviving are his wife, Jana Ritter; sisters, Elizabeth (John) Sadilek-Labenski of Edwards, Colo., Julie Mullett of Cedar Rapids and Jennifer (Chris) Szymanowski of Cedar Rapids; and his parents, Robert and Judith (Klimes) Sadilek Jr. of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Marjory (Smith) Sadilek Sr., and Frank and Elizabeth (Kozik) Klimes Jr.

Joel was born to Robert and Judith Sadilek on March 13, 1969, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He attended Linn-Mar High School, where he participated in band, soccer and football, graduating in 1987. He was an avid drummer and spent many summers traveling with the drum and bugle corps, the Emerald Knights and Madison Scouts. He attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a degree in geology. He moved to Colorado, obtaining his master's degree in City Planning/Urban Development. He worked as a city planner near Denver, eventually starting his own company.

Joel was struck by the film-making bug and attended film school in Denver and Los Angeles. He then moved to the Los Angeles area, where he remained, fulfilling his dreams as a writer, director and producer. There he opened his own production company, Curious Joel Productions. In addition, Joel continued his musical passion as drummer in the band formerly known as The Black Lights.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for Joel's memorial at www.youcaring.com/thefamilyofjoelsadilek-901099.

There are no words to fully describe the light that Joel brought to this world. He was a loving and kind soul who always put his family first. He was what his mother describes as a "quiet rascal" with a thirst for adventure and desire to live life to the fullest. Though his wings soared high and took him on boundless journeys, Joel never forgot his Iowa roots nor compromised his values. He was a beautiful force, spreading his magical energy to everyone he met and inspiring so many to follow their own dreams. Joel, you're a shining star that will always be with us.