Joseph J. "Joe" Blanchette's Obituary
Joseph J. “Joe” Blanchette, age 81, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at his home. He was born June 29, 1939 in Muskegon to Wilfred and Eleanor (Ronning) Blanchette and was a life resident. Joe graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central Class of 1958 and earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western Michigan University. During his senior year at WMU, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. Joe worked as an engineer for Howmet Corp. for 6 years and later worked as an engineer over 20 years for Johnson Technology retiring in 2008. Joe married Victoria M. Harris on November 23, 1968 at the former St. Joseph Parish in Muskegon. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Joe was a “Mr. Fixit” and could fix just about anything. He was an avid Michigan sports fan of the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and was an outdoorsman. He also enjoyed boating, quad and Seadoos. Joe loved a good ice cream sundae and milkshake. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Vicki Blanchette; 4 daughters, Lisa Musgrave, Laura (Jason) Brink, Lynn Hertel, Lonna Bates; 8 grandchildren, Lydia, Lorna, Jasmine, Caleb, Owen, Elijah, Noah, Ethan; 2 great-grandchildren, Charley, Liam; 1 brother, Robert (Susan) Blanchette; and 2 sisters, Donna Weldon and Mary Panuicki. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Bernard Blanchette and 3 sisters, Virgene Brewer, Maxine Carter, and Ilene Mast. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church (1110 Dykstra Road) with Rev. Fr. Godfrey Onyekwere presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass, 10-11AM at the Church. Military Honors will be offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans and the Michigan Army National Guard Honor Team. Interment will take place at Laketon Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider Disabled American Veterans Chapter #11 or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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