Joseph Lafleur

Joseph William "Joe" LaFleur, age 85, passed peacefully from this life in his sleep at home on November 27, 2023. Joe was born April 11, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan, the only son of Joseph Nicholas and Emily Sarah (Barrett) LaFleur. Joe grew up in Lansing and attended Resurrection School, graduating in the class of 1956, where many strong friendships were fostered and remain to this day. Joe enjoyed going out to breakfast with his classmates on a regular basis, and catching up with everyone and of course, enjoying a big cup of coffee. Joe joined the US Navy in 1957 and proudly served his country, until he was honorably discharged in 1962. He served on the USS Saufley He was an expert story teller and loved to tell stories of his time in the Navy - possibly with a bit of embellishment. Joe joined the working force as a printer. He started as a printer for Lansing Printing, and even worked there delivering print jobs on his bicycle while in High School. After leaving Lansing Printing, he moved on to Speaker-Hines & Thomas and then Michigan State University. He began working at Data Graphics, where he bought-in to the partnership and eventually became the sole owner. After Data Graphics was sold, he went to work for the Job Shop, where he remained until he retired. Joe was a perfectionist when printing and typesetting and he received many awards, honors and accolades both locally and nationally. Joe was involved in many bowling leagues, loving his time at Royal Scot Bowling Lanes, and he received many trophies. He also took great pride in gardening and canning from his harvest - including pickles, salsa, tomatoes and even jams/jellies, all of which he shared with family and friends. There was always time for a competitive card game with the Schrauben's and the person who drew the short-straw got Joe as a partner! Joe met Joyce Schrauben, at a bowling alley in May of 1963, and they married on January 4, 1964, eventually moving to East Lansing. They had 3 daughters, Janean, Janette and Janell. The family enjoyed many camping trips, especially up North, to Petoskey, and Joe never missed an opportunity to take his girls fishing, mushroom hunting or berry picking; and when grandchildren arrived, Papa Joe made sure to pass this tradition on to them. Joe enjoyed the solitude of the woods and being up North, and regularly went deer hunting - which he started doing with his father, and he continued until his health prohibited him from continuing. He cherished the time deer hunting with his nephews as well, and they had many memories to be cherished, especially his special nephew, Bill Hallenbeck. Joe also enjoyed turkey hunting - honestly, any excuse to go up North and experience the peace and quiet. Joe was known to be a jokester - he loved to tell a good joke, before "Dad jokes" were a thing. He was quick-witted, sarcastic and loved to pull someone along until the bitter end. Joe is survived by his wife, Joyce, of nearly 60 years; his 3 daughters, Janean Karpus (Mark) of Mattoon, Illinois and their children, Anthony, Benjamin and Andrew; Janette Guile (Kevin) of Fenton, Michigan and their children, Megan and Victoria; and Janell Henderson of Nampa, Idaho and her children, Shelby (Joe) Coltson and their children Theodore, Oliver and another to arrive in February 2024, Frank, Lydia (Curtis) Garner and Kylie. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Hallenbeck and Pat (Bob) Lezovich, sisters/brothers in-law; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth "Betty" and her husband Harold, brother-in-law Bill Hallenbeck, and sister-in-law Nancy Schrauben. Per Joe's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to local Food Banks, Sparrow Hospice, or the donor's choice. In typical "Joe fashion" this picture shows Joe saying goodbye - or as he said "later". Yes, Joe, we will see you later! To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Joe’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Lafleur, please visit our flower store.