Joseph Harold Wilkinson

Age 89, of Venice, Florida, formerly of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away surrounded by family on May 22, 2019.

Joseph “Joe” was the devoted husband of Donna for 62 years. She passed August 9, 2016. He is survived by nine children: Barbara Rader, Nancy (Dan) Paternoster, Marilyn (Mark) Anibal, Joan (Mark) Mollon, Donald (Kelly), William (Cindy), Sandra (Ben) Manring, David (Roxann), and Robert (Tiffany). Loving grandpa of 32 and great-grandfather to nine with the tenth due in September. Brother of LucyAnn (Bob) DeVries and Tom (Ethel) Wilkinson.

Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and continued to serve in the Army Reserves after returning home. He worked many years as a service technician. He retired from TRW in 1990.

As a supportive parent, he was involved in his children’s many scout, school, and church activities. His fun-loving spirit and sense of humor endeared him to his family. He loved playing with his grandchildren and listening to music. Joe enjoyed the warm weather of Florida, walking on the beach, looking for cool shells and shark teeth, swimming in the pool, and lounging in the hot tub. He especially liked visits from family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dawn and Robert, a son, Dale, sister Dawn Dornbos, brothers Richard, Robert, and Roger, and granddaughter Rebekah Grace.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Joe’s name to Helping Hands Adult Day Care, 201 Hillside Court, East Lansing, MI 48823 or to Ingham County Medical Care Facility Music Therapy Program, 3860 Dobie Road, Okemos, MI 48864.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at 2:30pm at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI, 48917.  Light refreshments and a time of fellowship with the family will follow at the church.