Joseph Carl Zender Jr. April 3, 1978 – February 9, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Carl Zender Jr., known to some as Joey. He left this world on February 9, 2025, in Hollywood, California, but his spirit and influence will forever remain in the countless lives he touched.
Joey was born on April 3, 1978, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and from an early age, it was clear he was a rare and brilliant soul. He possessed a quiet strength, a razor-sharp wit, and a deeply thoughtful mind that was always brimming with ideas. He was an artist at heart—a gifted writer, a storyteller with boundless imagination, and a creator who saw the world not just for what it was but for what it could be. Whether through film, comics, or the written word, Joey had stories he longed to share, and his creativity knew no limits.
Beyond his talent, Joey was someone who made people feel truly seen. He had a warm, knowing smile that could make you feel like the most important person in the room. His laughter was infectious—when Joey laughed, it wasn’t just a reaction, it was an invitation to joy, a reminder that you were, in that moment, exactly where you were meant to be. He was endlessly patient, incredibly kind, and always ready with the right words—clear, grounded, and just what you needed to hear.
A true citizen of the world, Joey found joy in travel, deep conversations, and the exploration of ideas. He had a calming presence, the kind that made you feel safe, understood, and valued. He could just as easily be found relaxing with a classic Criterion film as he could be debating a heated political topic with the television. He cared deeply about the world and the people in it, and he never hesitated to stand up for what he believed in.
Joey is survived by his wife Johanna Zender, his mother, Kara Stewitz; his brothers, Joshua and Jake Zender; his sister, Brenna Piersma; and his stepmother, Lisa Zender.
Though his passing leaves a space that can never be filled, his spirit continues in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Make no mistake, he is far from gone. If you knew him, then you carry a part of him with you—his kindness, his wisdom, his laughter. He changed people, and because of that, he will never truly leave us. So let’s honor him the way he would want: by being the best versions of ourselves, by embracing creativity, by speaking with kindness, by finding the humor in life, and by never losing sight of what truly matters.
Rest easy, Joey. You were a great storyteller, and now your story lives on through all of us.
