by Kim Lestina Obituary, Death – Kimberly K. Lestina, age 57, of Coralville, Iowa, passed away at her home on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein is in charge of the arrangements for the funeral services. Diamond resident, age 68, went away without suffering on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family. Joseph Raymond Lestina was the son of Joseph William and Bessie (Swartz) Lestina, both of whom passed away before his birth on March 3, 1948 in Joliet. He received a high school diploma from Coal City High School in 1966, attended Joliet Junior College, and then went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army.
He was born and raised in Coal City. Joe wed Kathleen Ann on the 24th of February in the year 1973. (nee Tyler). Joe belonged to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City and the St. Juvin VFW Post #1336. “Joe from the show” got his start in the film industry as a projectionist at the Rialto Theater in Coal City while he was still in high school. After some time, he found work at BASF, and after a long and successful career there, he eventually took early retirement.
Joe will be remembered for his love of history as well as his passion for classic cars, particularly Studebaker Avantis. He will also be remembered for his love of antique cars. He was an avid supporter of the Chicago Blackhawks, loved going on vacation with his family, and treasured his time spent catching up with his friends over breakfast at The Whistle Stop.
His wife Kathleen, his daughter Kimberly (Mark) Pavlis of Coal City, his son Aaron Lestina of Diamond, his sister Jean (Joseph) Macaluso and his mother-in-law Lorrie Tyler both of Coal City, his uncle George Lestina of Braidwood, his aunts Elsie Swartz of Coal City and Laura Lestina of Wilmington, his sister-in-law Karen (Joe) Grega of Diamond, his nephew.
