Obituary for Joel Stanley "Bear " Diehl
Joel Stanley Diehl AKA Bear
June 12, 1961 - August 9, 2020
Joel Stanley Diehl, also known as Bear, was born on June 12, 1961 to Arlene (Heintzelman) Diehl and Joel P. Diehl in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Joel grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1979 from Upper Bucks Christian High School. Joel continued his education by studying at the Baum School of Art, John Cassablanca's Modeling and Career Center, and The North Star School of Photography in Allentown. Joel's love for learning knew no bounds and he consistently set high goals for his education: particularly Photography, Journalism and Mass Communication, Production, and Design. In the mid 1980's following extensive travel to the Middle East, Joel decided to follow the teachings of Buddha, devoting his life to the path of enlightenment and the pursuit of inner peace. This journey brought him to Colorado in 1997 alongside his brother, James Bealer, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.
Joel was a man of many abilities who amazed and enriched the lives of all those he knew and loved. He was best known for his big heart, loving soul, and care for others above and beyond himself, as is seen in every aspect of his life and work. He was a Zen Buddhist Sensei of the Enlightened Life Fellowship and a Reiki Grand Master. Joel founded Alpine Line Publishers, LLC to assist authors and artists to fulfill their dreams of sharing their art with the world. He wrote the books “A Matter of Being,” "Random Thoughts," and was concurrently composing two others at the time of his passing. He earned his Master's of Arts Degree in Eastern Philosophy in January, 2019 and was working on his Doctorate in Transpersonal Counseling and Theocentric Psychology from the University of Sedona. Additionally, Bear performed peace & awakening seminars, anti-bullying seminars, and self-awareness seminars. Joel was an Ordained Minister who presided over many weddings of his friends and family. He was the host and on-air personality on "Nights with Bearman" at Tri-Lakes Radio. Joel also worked diligently as Promotions Manager at his favorite spot, PEAK31 at Union Station.
Joel had been a talented artist, musician, songwriter, and a dedicated performer whose artistic talents were showcased all over the Colorado Springs. Joel passionately loved singing karaoke, most notably his classic, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.”
Joel was an avid humanitarian and his mission was to pay it forward. Helping whomever he could whenever possible, even when he could not truly afford to do so. He genuinely believed in helping his fellow man, in leading his life with love and compassion, and in showing every person whom he encountered that they are worthy of love, acceptance and deserving inner peace. Joel was an active member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, an advocate for suicide prevention, equal rights, and the rights for people with special needs.
The highlight of Joel’s life was becoming the legal guardian/father to his nephew/son Talon Blake Bealer following the passing of his brother, James Bealer, in 2015. Joel’s love for Talon was unconditional and infinite. There was nothing that Joel would not do for Talon and no obstacle he would not overcome to ensure Talon was safe, had what he needed, and knew he was loved. The sky was the limit when it came to doing whatever was necessary to provide for Talon after James Bealer passed away unexpectedly when Talon was just five years old.
On July 9, 2020, Joel called upon his daughter, Carrie Holm to take over the love and care of Talon as Joel was being admitted to Memorial Hospital with COVID-19 and was uncertain of how long he would be. Unfortunately, he never recovered from this horrible virus that has robbed so many people of their loved ones. Joel Diehl was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on August 9, 2020 at 12:38 p.m. after being removed from life support by his daughter Carrie Holm due to irreversible brain damage caused by COVID-19.
Joel is survived by loving daughter Carrie Holm and son-in-law David as well as beloved son/nephew Talon Blake Bealer of Denver, CO; granddaughter Brandy Holm and future grandson-in-law Bradley Ransome of Pueblo West, CO; grandson Joseph Holm and granddaughter-in-law Jill Holm of Hawaii. Joel is also survived by daughter Sara Coker and her husband Christopher as well as three grandchildren Caleb, Maggie, and Ryan of Colorado Springs, CO; son Cameron Bevard and his wife Sara as well as two grandchildren Amelia and William of Kremling, CO.
Joel is also survived by nephew Cade Bealer and Astra AKA Lexy Bealer; brother Peter Bealer II and his wife Melissa as well as nephews Stephen, Gavin, Lucas, and niece Izabella of Bath, PA; Parrish Bealer of Milan, MI, his aunt Betty Lou Fegley, and three cousins Tim Hoats, Scott Hoats, and Kellie Hoats of Pennsylvania.
Joel is preceded in death by his mother Arlene Diehl, his father Joel P. Diehl, and his brother James A. Bealer. The three are rejoicing in Heaven right now with Joel by their side. James and Joel are fighting over the mic and which song to sing once again as they smile down with love on Talon as they watch him grow from above.
Joel was the most caring, kind, and generous man. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the GoFundMe Facebook Fundraiser entitled: “Memorial Service of Joel S. Diehl AKA Bear” organized by Carrie Lynn Holm or you may send to Carrie Holm and Talon Bealer at 3038 South Kearney Street, Denver, CO 80222. The Memorial Service will be on September 13 at 2:30 p.m. The location will be at the Western Omelette Restaurant and this is considered a private event hosted by the owner of the restaurant. The address is 16 S. Walnut, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. There will be a reception following the service at the same location.
June 12, 1961 - August 9, 2020
Joel Stanley Diehl, also known as Bear, was born on June 12, 1961 to Arlene (Heintzelman) Diehl and Joel P. Diehl in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Joel grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated in 1979 from Upper Bucks Christian High School. Joel continued his education by studying at the Baum School of Art, John Cassablanca's Modeling and Career Center, and The North Star School of Photography in Allentown. Joel's love for learning knew no bounds and he consistently set high goals for his education: particularly Photography, Journalism and Mass Communication, Production, and Design. In the mid 1980's following extensive travel to the Middle East, Joel decided to follow the teachings of Buddha, devoting his life to the path of enlightenment and the pursuit of inner peace. This journey brought him to Colorado in 1997 alongside his brother, James Bealer, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.
Joel was a man of many abilities who amazed and enriched the lives of all those he knew and loved. He was best known for his big heart, loving soul, and care for others above and beyond himself, as is seen in every aspect of his life and work. He was a Zen Buddhist Sensei of the Enlightened Life Fellowship and a Reiki Grand Master. Joel founded Alpine Line Publishers, LLC to assist authors and artists to fulfill their dreams of sharing their art with the world. He wrote the books “A Matter of Being,” "Random Thoughts," and was concurrently composing two others at the time of his passing. He earned his Master's of Arts Degree in Eastern Philosophy in January, 2019 and was working on his Doctorate in Transpersonal Counseling and Theocentric Psychology from the University of Sedona. Additionally, Bear performed peace & awakening seminars, anti-bullying seminars, and self-awareness seminars. Joel was an Ordained Minister who presided over many weddings of his friends and family. He was the host and on-air personality on "Nights with Bearman" at Tri-Lakes Radio. Joel also worked diligently as Promotions Manager at his favorite spot, PEAK31 at Union Station.
Joel had been a talented artist, musician, songwriter, and a dedicated performer whose artistic talents were showcased all over the Colorado Springs. Joel passionately loved singing karaoke, most notably his classic, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.”
Joel was an avid humanitarian and his mission was to pay it forward. Helping whomever he could whenever possible, even when he could not truly afford to do so. He genuinely believed in helping his fellow man, in leading his life with love and compassion, and in showing every person whom he encountered that they are worthy of love, acceptance and deserving inner peace. Joel was an active member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, an advocate for suicide prevention, equal rights, and the rights for people with special needs.
The highlight of Joel’s life was becoming the legal guardian/father to his nephew/son Talon Blake Bealer following the passing of his brother, James Bealer, in 2015. Joel’s love for Talon was unconditional and infinite. There was nothing that Joel would not do for Talon and no obstacle he would not overcome to ensure Talon was safe, had what he needed, and knew he was loved. The sky was the limit when it came to doing whatever was necessary to provide for Talon after James Bealer passed away unexpectedly when Talon was just five years old.
On July 9, 2020, Joel called upon his daughter, Carrie Holm to take over the love and care of Talon as Joel was being admitted to Memorial Hospital with COVID-19 and was uncertain of how long he would be. Unfortunately, he never recovered from this horrible virus that has robbed so many people of their loved ones. Joel Diehl was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on August 9, 2020 at 12:38 p.m. after being removed from life support by his daughter Carrie Holm due to irreversible brain damage caused by COVID-19.
Joel is survived by loving daughter Carrie Holm and son-in-law David as well as beloved son/nephew Talon Blake Bealer of Denver, CO; granddaughter Brandy Holm and future grandson-in-law Bradley Ransome of Pueblo West, CO; grandson Joseph Holm and granddaughter-in-law Jill Holm of Hawaii. Joel is also survived by daughter Sara Coker and her husband Christopher as well as three grandchildren Caleb, Maggie, and Ryan of Colorado Springs, CO; son Cameron Bevard and his wife Sara as well as two grandchildren Amelia and William of Kremling, CO.
Joel is also survived by nephew Cade Bealer and Astra AKA Lexy Bealer; brother Peter Bealer II and his wife Melissa as well as nephews Stephen, Gavin, Lucas, and niece Izabella of Bath, PA; Parrish Bealer of Milan, MI, his aunt Betty Lou Fegley, and three cousins Tim Hoats, Scott Hoats, and Kellie Hoats of Pennsylvania.
Joel is preceded in death by his mother Arlene Diehl, his father Joel P. Diehl, and his brother James A. Bealer. The three are rejoicing in Heaven right now with Joel by their side. James and Joel are fighting over the mic and which song to sing once again as they smile down with love on Talon as they watch him grow from above.
Joel was the most caring, kind, and generous man. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the GoFundMe Facebook Fundraiser entitled: “Memorial Service of Joel S. Diehl AKA Bear” organized by Carrie Lynn Holm or you may send to Carrie Holm and Talon Bealer at 3038 South Kearney Street, Denver, CO 80222. The Memorial Service will be on September 13 at 2:30 p.m. The location will be at the Western Omelette Restaurant and this is considered a private event hosted by the owner of the restaurant. The address is 16 S. Walnut, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. There will be a reception following the service at the same location.