Rodney Joel Mars (22) of St. Elmo

Rodney Joel Mars, age 22, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 5:04 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023 at his home in St. Elmo.

Funeral service will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until time of service. Pee Wee Denton will be officiating. A balloon release will take place at Deken Park immediately following the funeral service. Memorials may go to the family for funeral expenses or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.

Joel was born on July 31, 2001 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Rodney L. and Terri R. (Williams) Mars. He enjoyed traveling, working on high end sports cars, and spending time with his family and friends, especially his children.

He is survived by his children, Brinley, Mikynn and Kierra; Father, Rodney Lee Mars (wife Jennifer) of St. Elmo; brothers, Landon, Benjamin, and Gabriel all of St. Elmo; sisters, Tamyra Reeter (husband Ryan) of St. Elmo, Tyler Mars (fiancé Jesse Dennis) of St. Elmo, Madison Brabson (husband Chris) of Effingham, and Grace Askins of St. Elmo; nieces and nephews, Dagen, Piper, and Berkley Reeter, Fayth, Theodore, and Loraine Dennis and Charlotte, Loretta, and Henry Brabson; and grandparents, Fred and Mary Jane Gottman; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Terri Mars; grandparents, Terry and Kay Williams and Tommy Gottman; nephew, Sebastian; and oneeyed pug, Ollie Huffner.