Joseph "Big Joe" M. Gembala

Joseph “Big Joe” M. Gembala, age 56, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away on June 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born on November 10, 1968, to the late Matthew and Nancy (Flinn) Gembala. A proud graduate of Rensselaer Central High School, Class of 1987, Joe later went on to earn an associate’s degree in business management from Karl Sandberg College. He spent much of his career working as a car salesman where many in the community trusted him enough to buy a car or 3 from him and more recently served as a dedicated groundskeeper. A passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Joe brought the same enthusiasm to everything he did. Joe was a longstanding and devoted member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2548, where he served as Past President, as well as a member of VFW Post #1279 and American Legion Post #29. His commitment to his community was evident through his generosity, leadership, and warm-hearted spirit. Known affectionately as “Popo” to his grandchildren, Joe was a true family man who loved his children and grandchildren above all else. He was a vibrant presence in the community, always quick with a joke or compliment, eager to lend a hand, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially watching his granddaughter Brooklyn play softball where he took pride in being the loudest cheerleader in the stands for her, watching granddaughter Aliyah in her summer plays, playing cards and darts with friends, and especially loved donning the red suit to play Santa for countless children over the years. There are simply not enough words to describe the positive impact that Big Joe had on all of those around him and he has left a wonderful legacy for his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. Joe is survived by his loving daughters, Holli (Desmond) Gembala and Shelby (Corey) Staddon, both of Rensselaer; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Aliyah, Quinton, and Norah; beloved dog Cletus and grand-dog Randall; siblings, Deborah Gembala of Rensselaer, Christine (Matthew) Louck of Brownsburg, IN, and Andrew Gembala of Lafayette, IN; nephew, Nathan Louck; and many other nieces and nephews who still considered him uncle Joe. His first wife and the mother of his children, Elaine Reyes-Gembala, god daughter Ava Wanda and best friend Dez Wanda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Nancy Gembala who his family knows were waiting for him with arms wide open. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT at the funeral chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In honor of Joe’s love for his teams and casual spirit, the family kindly requests guests wear Chicago Cubs or casual attire. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Joe will be remembered as a loyal friend, devoted father and grandfather, and a joyful spirit whose impact on the community will not be forgotten.

Joseph "Big Joe" M. Gembala

November 10, 1969 - June 8, 2025