Joe was born December 14, 1930 in Salford England. He survived the bombing of Salford in 1940, during World War II. Joe served in the British Army and was proud to share his many memories. Talking to him was like a lifetime of knowledge in 20 minutes. He met the love of his life Olive at the age of 14. They married October 6, 1951. In 1960 Joe and Olive, along with their two daughters immigrated to the United States, settling in Zeeland Michigan. Together in 1995 becoming American citizens, while never forgetting their British heritage.
Most of all Joe loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with them at his cottage on Crooked Lake. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and sitting outside by the fire. Teaching each of us to drive the pontoon at a snail’s pace around the lake. Joe was there for all of us for anything we may have needed. He never missed a graduation, soccer game, bowling or Birthday. He truly is this family’s Rock.
Joe was a sheet metal worker by trade. Retiring from Veneklasen Auto Parts. Where he was affectionately known as the radiator man.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Olive Wild (2002); 3 daughters, Rita (1954) Pauline (2023) and Susan (2024); sister’s Ivy and Nora; and brother Albert.
Joe will be greatly missed by his surviving daughter, Lynn (Dave) Machiele, son in law Timothy Garvelink, 11 Grandchildren, Kimberly (Kevin) Van Huizen, LaVonne Burford, Tammy (Brian) Owen, Jennifer Harper, Angela Spencer, Christopher (Sarah) Brummels, Amy (Jeff) March, Kyle (Tomara) Wild, Tara Prins, Ethan Machiele, Noah Machiele. 15 Great Grandchildren Kolten, Kameron, Cayden, Steven, Kenneth, Malorie, Joshua, Justin, Kalib, Moshawn, Alexea, Zaden, Destiny, Mila and Carter. Joe was also blessed to have 7 Great Great Grandchildren; nephews Eric (Sally) Cammenga, Scott Cammenga, Raymond (Elaine) Martin. A multitude of friends around the world. Especially missing Joe will be his cat (Kitty).
Visitation will be 5 to 8pm on March 13, 2025 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI.
A service to celebrate Joe’s life will be on Friday March 14th, 2025 at 11:00am Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St. Burial will be at Zeeland Cemetery on Lincoln St.
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