We are beyond saddened by the loss of our dear Joel Sadilek whose sweet, soulful spirit brought so much joy to so many lives.

Joel was born to Robert Sadilek, Jr. and Judith (Klimes) Sadilek on March 13, 1969 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Throughout Joel's life, he was a loving and kind soul who always put his family first and inspired everyone around him. Joel was also what his mother describes as a "quiet rascal" with a thirst for adventure and desire to live life to the fullest.

Joel attended Linn Mar High School where he participated in band, marching band, soccer and football, graduating in 1987. He was an avid drummer, and he spent many summers traveling with two drum and bugle corps, the Emerald Knights and later the Madison Scouts. He attended The University of Iowa, graduating with a degree in geography. He then moved to Boulder, Colorado where he obtained his master's degree in City Planning and Urban Development. Joel moved to Denver and worked as a city planner, eventually starting his own city planning company.

Then Joel was struck with the filmmaking bug. He started on his new career path attending film school in Denver, and later in Los Angeles. He eventually moved to the Los Angeles area where he remained, fulfilling his dreams as a writer, director, and producer. While his passion lay in filmmaking, Joel remained steady as a very talented drummer, continuing his musical love by making music with his band, formerly known as The Black Lights.

He was diagnosed with late stage cancer last August and had spent the last year struggling through chemo and the pain of his ever worsening condition. Yet despite all this, Joel soldiered on like the quiet hero he always was...positive and determined to live. On Thursday, July 27th he mustered up the energy to attend the premiere of "Ingrid Goes West" - a film he line produced and was extremely proud to be a part of. He had a wonderful night and was so inspired to see the film come to life, and talk to the cast and crew he had worked together with.

Sadly, the very next day he took a turn for the worst and his wife Jana had no choice but to rush him to St. Joseph Providence hospital near their home in Burbank, CA. His condition had worsened to the point that there was nothing the doctors could do except to keep him as "comfortable" as possible for the duration of his stay. Joel's mother (Judy Sadilek), father (Robert Sadilek) and sister (Jennifer Sadilek Szymanowski) flew from Iowa to be by his side. He spent his final days surrounded by the love and comfort of his family and countless friends who came from all distances to show their love.

On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, Joel took his final turn for the worse and passed away at 7:40pm. He was suffering so much pain that all we could do was remain by his side, love him and gently let him go. Joel is survived by his wife Jana with whom he lived in Burbank; his parents Robert and Judith (Klimes) Sadilek, Jr.; three sisters, Elizabeth (John) Sadilek-Labenski of Edwards, Colorado, Julie Mullett of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jennifer (Chris) Szymanowski of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; eighteen nephews and nieces of whom he was extremely fond of; and countless extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Marjory (Smith) Sadilek, Sr., and Frank and Elizabeth (Kozik) Klimes, Jr.

There are no words to describe the light that Joel brought to this world. Though his wings soured high and took him on boundless journeys, Joel never forgot his true Iowa roots nor compromised his values or integrity. He was a beautiful light in this world, spreading his magical energy to everyone he met and inspiring so many others to follow their own dreams.