Joel Christopher Peplinski, 56, of Manitowoc, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children in his home on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Joel’s strength, though great, wasn’t a match for the melanoma that ravaged his body in just six short months.
He was born on July 9, 1965 in Stevens Point, WI, to Jim and Diane Peplinski. Joel spent the majority of his career in the restaurant business. From early on Joel’s passion for the industry was obvious working at all levels including owning restaurants. His experience landed him at Noodles & Company in 2015 moving up through the ranks becoming an area manager in 2019.
Joel married Rebecca Bryntesen in June of 2005.
Joel and Becky were a pair to be reckoned with. Their combined tenacity could conquer any task, whether it would be renovating their own home, helping family and friends with any and every project, or cutting down trees. Joel was happiest when he was working hard and that was evident in the way he lived his life. Keeping Joel busy was a continuous battle because things that should have taken longer would be done in “Joel” time which was exceptionally faster than any of his family or friends could keep up with. He was always up for a challenge and always ready to get down to work. His work ethic extended into his daily workout regimens, the way he ran his restaurants, and his willingness to help others. His sense of humor and zeal for life made him the life of the party. The void that is left behind for all those who knew Joel is the testament of the man he was.
Survivors include his wife, Becky; his children, Jennifer Lemke (Damon) and their children, Gianna and Michael; Derek Peplinski (Stephanie) and their children, Levi and Lila; Erica Lewandowski (Dan) and their children, Serena, Evelyn, and Harper; Halie Peplinski; and Elleigh Peplinski; his brothers, Jeff Peplinski and James Peplinski; his mother-in-law, Sue Bryntesen; father-in-law, Tom Tomasik; brother-in-law, Kyle Bryntesen (Jill); sister-in-law, Faith Higdon (Matt) and their children, Zach and Eli; sister-in-law, Catherine Lindloff (Aaron) and their children, Sylvia, Finn, and Stella; sister-in-law, Rachel Engelhardt and her son, Loic. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Diane Peplinski; and his son, Noah Peplinski.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Noodles & Company Foundation. This is a charitable foundation created to assist employees of Noodles & Company when life gives them unexpected financial issues. This was an initiative that Joel championed with passion. Donations can be sent to www.noodles.com/foundation.
A memorial service will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. immediately followed by a celebration of life at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center until 7:00 p.m. Food will be graciously covered by Noodles & Company and a cash bar will be available. Please come and celebrate with the family. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
