Joseph A. Wathen's Obituary
Mr. Joseph Albert Wathen, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 in Muskegon. He was born on January 9, 1931 to Roy and Lilly (Berry) Wathen in Loogootee, IN. Joe proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict while in the United States Army. After being Honorably Discharged in 1953, Joe married the former Dorothy Schweihofer on February 20, 1954 in St. Clair, MI. Joe and Dorothy shared 47 wonderful years of marriage together before she passed away in 2002. Joe’s faith was strong, and he loved the Lord. He said the rosary often and was an active longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle, formerly St. Raphael’s, in Garden City, MI. He served as an usher, maintained the church van, helped at their annual festival, and even picked up seniors to bring to church. He drove truck for RW Services for many years and was involved with Right to Life. After retirement, Joe and Dorothy enjoyed taking their fifth wheel trailer to visit family and travel around the United States. Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by his children, Theresa (Michael) Szura, Margaret (John) Castillo, Mary (Roger) Henman, Christina (Richard) Doherty, Rita (Gerald) Smyth, Joseph (Wendi) Wathen, and James (Diane) Wathen; 24 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and brother, John Leo Wathen. Along with his wife, Dorothy, Joe was also preceded in death by his parents; nine siblings; daughter-in-law, Grace Wathen; and son-in-law, Robert Grima. A Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family will be held Friday, January 28 at St. Thomas the Apostle. Burial to take place at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Right to Life. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?
