Joe VanSickle

Joe VanSickle age 90, of Perrinton, MI, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, September 24, 2018, with Pastor John Gosselin officiating.  Burial will take place at Sowle Cemetery, Essex Township, MI.  Visitation will be held 2 - 4 P.M. on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Smith Family Funeral Homes.

Joe was born at home in rural Maple Rapids, Michigan on January 12, 1928. Moss and Nellie (Jacquish) VanSickle were his parents. He was the youngest of six children:  Beth VanSickle, AJ VanSickle (Mary), June Hyde (Jerry), Barbara McWilliams (Eugene), and Lyman VanSickle (Esther). Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

Joe married Joyce Craig (deceased) on December 13, 1950. They raised their children Sue Balger (James), Craig VanSickle (deceased), and Joanie Birdsall (Todd) on the family farm. Joe and Joyce have 5 grandchildren:   Abigail, Michael, Mark, David and Juliee, then 10 great grandchildren: Wyatt, Silas, Samuel, Jack, Lael, Annie, Lucy, Emelia, Thomas, and Anthony.

Joe was a lifelong farmer, never living more than a half mile from the house he was born in. He loved the land.  Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman; he also enjoyed golf in retirement. He and Joyce traveled with their 5th wheel to many parts of the country visiting cousins along the way.

Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 2 tours of duty following WWII.  Joe retired from farming and the State of Michigan Department of Corrections. He also served as North Shade Township Assessor and Supervisor for a number of years.  Joe had a passion for God’s word, was devoted in prayer and loved spending time with Christian friends.

Memorials may be made to Mount Hope Church - Hubbardston or Samaritan's Purse.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.