Joël Henri-George Peters, age 70, of Elgin, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was born July 10, 1955 in France to his loving parents, Charles Vincent and Claudine Anaise (née Moreau) Peters.

Joël was a proud graduate of Gage Park High School and attended Richard J. Daley College. From a young age, he had an extraordinary talent for pinstriping and lettering, becoming the beloved and legendary “Peter Pan” of Peter Pan Custom Lettering & Pinstriping. His work was never just a job—it was an extension of his artistic spirit and his passion for detail.

At just 20 years old, Joël met the love of his life, Guadalupe, at Hemlock Bank in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, where she worked. After only three weeks he proposed, knowing he had found his forever love. The two were married on July 2, 1977, beginning a family and partnership built on love, laughter, and countless adventures. One unforgettable moment is when the electric door handles of their Flamed-Bonneville left them locked inside until a long-haul trucker came to the rescue. It was the kind of story Joël loved to tell—always with a twinkle in his eye.

Along with his artistic talent, Joël’s love for locomotives lead to a celebrated 33 year career with Amtrak from which he retired in 2017.

Joël loved people, and with his quick wit, he had an ability to make anyone laugh. In his younger years, he was a proud member of the Street Machines Unlimited car club. Later in life, he became a founding member of the Chicago Brushmasters, an organization that raised funds for the Ronald McDonald charities.

Additionally, his passions were many: building model cars, anything to do with locomotives, fire trucks, and feeding his artistic soul. He was passionate about his family and meaningful opportunities to teach and inspire others through his art.

Joël’s legacy lives on through his loving family and friends and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Joël was preceded in death by his parents, Charles V. and Claudine A. Peters, and his in-laws, Guadalupe and Maria I. Garza. He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Peters; his children, Christopher-Joël M., Benjamin M., and Amanda M.; and his Goddaughter, Sophia D.

He is also survived by his sister, Marie France (Stephen G. Russell), brothers-in-law, Robert (Chris) and Fernando; sister-in-law, Ana Luiza; and his beloved grandchildren, Nolan J. (“The Kanoli”), Nicholas R. (“Bubby”), and Chloe E. (“Princess”). Additional loved ones include his nieces and nephews—Steven, Andelyn, Johnathan (Rocio), Chaelin, Lorenzo, Angelo, and Mia—as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins in France.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, November 28, 2025, and 10:00am to 11:00am, Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Mass will be at 11:30am, Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Mary Church of Elgin, 400 Fulton Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Rev. Bruce Ludeke will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joël’s name to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.