Joel Smith

JOEL SMITH NORWAY- Joel Smith age 63 of Norway went peacefully into God’s loving arms at his home on Saturday, May 5, 2007. He was born January 24, 1944 in Saginaw, MI the son of Chancey and Evangeline (Spitzbergen) Smith. Joel grew up in Mt. Pleasant, MI., he attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette where he earned both his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Education. He began his teaching career in the Breitung Township School District in 1965 and retired from teaching there in 1999. Joel married his wife Darleen on June 4, 1988 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway. He was an avid spectator of most sports and participant in some. Those who knew Joel well also knew that he had a love/hate relationship with the game of golf. And yet, he and Darleen were members of the Oak Crest Golf Course. Joel also enjoyed wildlife, hunting, fishing, and feeding the wild birds. He took great pride in his flower gardens and loved working in his yard. Joel was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway. The members of his prayer group and the Men’s Breakfast Bible Study were important to Joel in his spiritual life. He sang in the church choir, was a past member of the church council, and, along with Darleen, was Bethany’s delegate to the synod conventions for many years. Joel was the original organizer of the now annual Bethany Lutheran Church Golf Outing. Joel is survived by his wife Darleen; father Chancey Smith of Houghton Lake; three daughters Amy (Steve) Dulan of East Lansing, Jill Smith of Los Angeles, CA and Mandy (Al) Mauro of Norway; two step-children Christian Cocking and Andrea (Michael) Celello of Iron Mountain; brother Peter Smith; four grandchildren Brittnae (Ed Giesau) Cocking, Jordan Mauro, Zachary and Gabriel Celello; and one great grandson Hunter James Giesau. Joel is also survived by two special nieces, Laura Howie and Dora Lee Salinas. He was preceded in death by his mother and his twin sister, Jane. Joel loved to travel and he and Darleen had visited many places; but the one place that “stole” his heart was Fisherman’s Beach, Duncan’s Bay, Jamaica. He and Darleen have spent part of their winters there for the past 14 years. He leaves behind all the wonderful people who embraced them there. He will be greatly missed for his kindnesses and friendship to them all. Joel’s greatest joy was in his grandchildren. He took pride and a wonderful sense of enjoyment in watching Jordan play sports; the word “NO” was removed from his vocabulary when Zach and Gabe wanted to play; and he loved “smooching” great grandson, Hunter. They will all miss Grandpa Joel’s love and patience. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Jennifer Johnson and Rev. Earnest Ness officiating. Interment will be held on Wednesday at Quinnesec Cemetery. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund that will be established in Joel’s name. Arrangements announced by the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.

Joel Smith

January 24, 1944 - May 1, 2007