Joseph Bell Obituary

I remember Joe and his shows here well, and am so sorry about his death. Prayers for him and for Jean--Sister Clemente (at Rosary/Dominican)

I was a theater student of Joe Bell's at Rosary College in the late 70s. He was an extraordinary director --larger than life! I send condolences to his family and friends.

I always enjoyed visiting with Mr. Bell when he and Mrs. Bell came to the bank. He was always very sweet and made me smile each time I saw him. I will surely miss his visits.

I too went to Rosary and knew Mr. Bell. He was dedicated to raising up generations of actors and actresses for the theatre. We actually were inspired to do the WIZ because of all that acting happening around campus. God rest his soul.

My condolences to all who loved Joe and considered him family. Joe was my theatrical father, introducing me to theatre in 1975 while at Rosary College. Passionate, Nurturing, Explosive, Quirky, Funny, Resourceful and Smart...Joe was a force of nature and positively impacted my life.

...Three times is funny.

Aunt Jean and family,
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Joe and wish we could be there in person to hug and console you. We are there in spirit and will always love and remember Uncle Joe with his great, big smile that never seemed to fade!
With love and prayers from the Bell family in CA; Michael, Corry, Michaela, Jenny, Nathan, Chris, Nick and Beau.

I remember when Joe came to Rosary College in the '70's. I had him for several acting and interp classes and he directed me in many productions. I would see him from time to time since we lived close to each other. I even had him for a traffic school class I had to take! 10 years ago, Joe was to understudy with me and play my husband at Theatre at the Center. Unfortunately, he pulled out. That would have been so much fun to work together. I did enjoy working with Joe at the Kirkland & Ellis trials.

Sending condolences to Sean, Heather, and Hope.

I was a theater major at Rosary in 1977 -1978 and had the pleasure of having Joe as a professor. I greatly appreciated his trust and enjoyed running the 'house' for him there. He will be missed. Many prayers to his family.

I have been a Peninsula Player since 1971 and am still on the Board of Directors. Had the extreme pleasure of getting to know and work with Joe, Hope, and Dennis and Vicki Kennedy.
Joe was a wonderful actor, director, mentor and friend.Working with Joe and Dennis Kennedy is to this day one of the joys of my life, what wonderful characters.
I still quote Joe often, and enjoy ordering a dead fish or chicken when dinning out.
My sympathy to all of Joe's family and loved ones. He was one of a kind and all of us at the Players were blessed to know and work with him.
Peace,
Digger DeGroot
Peninsula Players
Fish Creek, WI

Joe was a prof at Rosary College when I first met him and he directed me in several plays. Years later he remembered me when I went to see a musical he was developing. He taught me a lot when I was not teachable. Many prayers for your family Joe

May God comfort you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Mr. Bell was a special customer to us at the Portage UPS Store. He will be deeply missed. Tracy Hughes

Dear Jean,
I am glad I was able to meet Joe. I am thinking of you with love from the land of him who was Love. Jan Ranck

Dearest Heather,
Your father's was a life of epic proportion and we are deeply sorry to learn of your family's great loss. May God Bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
David and Susan Rosi

Dear Heather and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much you loved your Dad!

I remember him in the lobby when Heather was appearing in Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance at Village Players and at so many shows after that. I am very grateful that he passed on his love of the arts and his talent. The world is so much better for the artists and the loving Dads in our midst.

My heart and my love for Uncle Joe go out to Jean, for the love of her life, to Heather and Sean, for the love of their father, to Harold Bell, for the love of his brother, and to all the family and friends for the loss of a truly wonderful and caring human being.

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of the love of your life. Remembering your great love story today and always.