Joseph Happel, 90

Joseph Leo Happel, 90, of Centreville, passed away at 3:08 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 9, 1924 in Mendon to the late Leon E. and Gladys (Klein) Happel.

On Sept. 20, 1945 in Mendon he married Glenna Carlin, she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Thomas (Martha) Happel of Chatham, Mich. and Donald (Gail) Happel of Sturgis; a daughter, Patricia (Scott) Adams of Centreville; two sisters, Celeste Happel and Ruth (George) Fry, both of Eugene, Ore.; five grandchildren, Jerry Happel of Chatham, Cory (Brooke) Barnes of Richmond, Va., Timothy Barnes of Bremerton, Wash., Chad Hollenbeck of Allendale, Courtney Hollenbeck of Grand Rapids; one great-granddaughter, Megan Happel of Chatham.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Pamela Barnes; a brother, Anthony Happel; and a sister, Lucille Heydenberk.

A mass will be held in Joseph’s honor at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, 479 S. Burr Oak Road, Colon, Michigan 49040. Father Richard Fritz will be presiding. A luncheon will follow.

Joseph graduated from Mendon High School in 1941. He was a farmer and then later worked as a postal carrier, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1989. He was a member of the Mendon Kiwanis Club for 25 years and a 4-H member and leader as well. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He loved being Santa Claus for the 4-H club and church parties. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and being on the lake.

Memorial donations may be given to the St. Clare Building Fund.

Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.