Joseph "Joe" M. Etchingham

Joseph M. Etchingham, 54, passed away from Huntington’s disease, peacefully at his home on Monday, December 6, 2021, with his loving family by his side.

Joe is survived by his wife of 29 years, Kristin M. (Nee Kreisa), devoted father to Ellie and Maggie, brother of Jim (Beth), Pat (Mark), and Bob (Marge), brother-in-law of Kathy Thornton (John), David Kreisa (Erika), and Charlie Kreisa (Christy), son-in-law of Bette Kreisa-Kluge (Bob) and the late Bill Kreisa, Beloved uncle to Katie (Bryan), Kevin, Matt (Kaitlyn), Patrick (Alexandra), Kelly, Jackie (Jimmy), Jimmy, Jessica, Jack, Michael, Lucy, Billy, Shea, Earl and Finley, great uncle to Clara, Sophie, Quinn, Patrick and Rosemary.

Joe Etchingham, born to Robert "Bob" and Lydia "Lee" Etchingham on August 17, 1967, was a kindhearted, faithful man who loved his family and his friends. Joe’s wife, Kristin, of 29 years, and daughters Ellie and Maggie, were his entire world. Joe was a wonderful husband and father and was happiest when the four of them were together.

Bob and Lee Etchingham moved from Chicago to Manor Lane in Park Ridge in 1973 with their four kids, Jim, Pat, Bob and Joe. Jim and Pat were in college, Bob was in middle school, and the baby of the family, Joey, was heading into kindergarten. This is where he started many of his lifelong friendships that he kept and cherished his entire life. Joe’s determination and work ethic helped him to succeed, starting at Maine South High School. He was a four-year athlete, having played football, hockey, and baseball. Even to this day, Maine South football would have been considered one of Joe’s passions.

Upon graduating from Maine South, Joe attended St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Kristin Kreisa. Together, Joe and Kristin developed meaningful, lasting friendships and began their life.

After St. Norbert, Joe continued his education and graduated from John Marshall Law School. He began his career as an associate at the Querrey & Harrow Law Firm under the direction of Jim O’Hagan (next door neighbor of the Etchingham family). Jim became a lifelong mentor and role model to Joe. Joe’s passion and dedication for the law led him to be recognized by the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Joe received the Scale of Justice award in 2015. Joe concluded his law career in a partnership with his brother Jim, at Etchingham Law.

Joe enjoyed running, anything outdoors, concerts, and his many vacations with his family. He had a special place in his heart for Maderia Beach, Florida and Fontana, Wisconsin. He was at peace on a beach soaking in the hot sun. Joe loved being a dad and was exceedingly proud of Ellie and Maggie. Joe cherished the opportunity to coach his girls in Tball, soccer, and softball.

In June 2014, Joe was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, a rare, life-altering and incurable illness. Joe immediately made it his mission to raise awareness with the hopes of finding a cure so that generations ahead will not have to suffer. For the next seven years, Joe felt the love from his community through fundraising and events such as The Peggy Kinane’s Golf Outing, the Maine South school wide fundraiser, and the Park Ridge Newcomer’s Labor of Love. Throughout Joe’s battle, he remained selfless and determined. Joe never gave up. On Monday, December 6, Joe entered the Kingdom of God to live eternally.

Visitation was Sunday, December 12, 1-6 p.m. at Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, December 13 at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church. Mass 11 a.m. Interment followed in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Huntington's Disease Society of America, www.hdsa.org, are appreciated. 

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