Madawaska--- Joel R. Dionne, 86, peacefully entered into rest Friday, October 8, 2021, at his home with his loving family at his side. He was born December 14, 1934 in St. David, a son of the late Lewis and Laura (Fournier) Dionne.

While working for Fraser Paper, Madawaska, Joel was drafted into the US Army and served overseas in Korea, just following the conclusion of the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he returned to Fraser Paper, working as a winder operator, until his well-deserved retirement in 1996. He was a long-time parishioner of St. David and St. Thomas Church and a 3 ^rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Joel was a proud and recent member of the Madawaska American Legion and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.  He was an avid woodworker and crafter, spending many hours in his shop making hope chests, baskets, and bird houses to give to his family and friends. Joel loved to tour the roads on his motorcycle or enjoying the simple life in his flower and vegetable gardens.

He is survived by: his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Clauda (Lavoie) Dionne of Madawaska; three children, Brenda Cayer and her husband Tim of Hollis, James Dionne of Madawaska, and Karen Panditi of San Jose, CA; two sisters, Rolande Sirois of Madawaska and Cecile Pelletier of Fort Kent; three brothers, Maurice Dionne and his wife Yvette of Connecticut, Bert Dionne of New Jersey, and Gerard Dionne and his wife Diana of Green River, NB, Canada; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Mackenzie, Ashleigh, Nicole, Taylor, Evan, and Noah; two great grandchildren, Brennan and Bridgette; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Joel was predeceased by two brothers, Guy and Fern Dionne, and two sisters, Jeannine Dionne and Rita Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at St. David Catholic Church, St. David. Relatives and friends may greet the family 6 – 8 PM on Wednesday at Lajoie Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 114-10 ^th Ave., Madawaska. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.