Joel Bernhard will be missed.

The 47-year-old owner and operator of Confections For Any Occasion by Joel, located in Theresa, passed away on Tuesday, June 30.

Russ Koepsell of Koepsell Funeral Home told WTKM that funeral services for Joel will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 4 p.m. from the Saint Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Theresa. A visitation prior to the service will be held on Tuesday, July 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

Joel Bernhardt was a good friend of WTKM.

Joel, who was blind since he was four, started making candy back in 1999, selling to friends and neighbors. Word spread about his delicious chocolates and he needed more space, so he rented a local kitchen to make his truffles and other fine candies.

After a few more years he outgrew that space and decided to open his own shop in downtown Theresa. The building he chose was the old general store which is over 100 years old, with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors. The store opened in December of 2002.

Modern Woodmen, of Lomira presented Joel Bernhard with the Hometown Hero Award two years ago. He received the award for pushing through a fire at his business and continuing to have a quaint business, which is loved by so many.