Joseph Elser

Many people go through life never experiencing its fullness and joy, but Joe Elser was not such a man. Joe was a man who experienced life’s fullness and joy every day. Through work and play, hardship and illness, he never lost sight of the things that truly mattered. His sincere enthusiasm for, and honest approach to, life were contagious and forever enriched the lives of those who knew him.

The year was 1939; the United States was slowly climbing out of the dark recesses of the Great Depression; war had just erupted in Europe, and within just a few years, the U.S. would be dragged headlong into the conflict. Despite the worldwide fear of war, Fay and Hazel (Randall) Elser of Litchfield, Michigan had reason to celebrate. On July 8, 1939, the couple welcomed the birth of their third child, a son named Joseph Lawrence. Joy would soon turn to anxiety and fear as shortly after Joe’s birth, his mother would become ill and his older brother, Donald, 19 years his senior, would be sent off to war. His sister, Marilyn, age 17, tended to much of Joe’s early care.

Growing up, Joe was a typical boy and actively participated in 4-H, where he raised and showed Grand Champion lambs. He used to say that he was in 4-H to meet the girls but that wasn’t really so; Joe really loved and cared for his lambs. But as much as Joe loved his lambs, he had a second love, softball; a love which would continue throughout his entire life.

Always the prankster, Joe got into his share of mischief as a boy, but also learned the value of hard work and fair play, characteristics that served him well when his mother inherited the family farm. Joe’s father, not a good farmer, left Hazel to oversee the farm, who quickly selected Donald to oversee daily operations, who, in turn, elected Joe as his slave. Quick to see the inequities of the situation, Joe got a job in town, leaving Donald, once again, to tend to the farm on his own.

Joe graduated from Litchfield High School in 1957, attending Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1962. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the Army Reserves, where he would be called to active duty during the Detroit riots in 1967. Meanwhile, Joe was working at Union Pump in Battle Creek, but then took a job at Eaton Corporation in August 1967, working in the Human Resources Department where he advanced through the ranks to the ending position of Human Resource Manager-The Americas. This was a high powered position within the company, and Joe was very successful, but he had to assume a stringent business façade each day, though it went against his sensitive and kind nature. Joe left Eaton in 1998, after 31 great years, and went to work at Minute Maid in Paw Paw, for three more years.

On May 8, 1982, Joe married the love of his life, Sally, who brought more than just her love into Joe’s life, she brought three beautiful daughters: Terri, Danelle, and Michelle. Joe was a loving and caring husband and father. He welcomed the girls with strong, open arms. Though adults, Joe adopted them and was a loving and positive father figure in their lives for the next 25 years. He supported and encouraged their independence and taught them to have confidence in themselves, as he had in them. Joe willingly gave advice when asked, and he made sure that his girls knew he was there for them in all things.

After Joe retired in 2001, he and Sally moved to Arizona to enjoy their retirement years in the serenity of the mountains. A life of leisure was just what Joe and Sally wanted and they cherished every moment of it, whether he was sitting in the shade or enjoying a sunset together. Always active, they loved to travel, attend church activities and Bible Study, go to ball games and play cards together. Joe kept agile by playing softball and golfing. His happiest moments, however, always involved the time he spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the laughter and fun with his 11 grandchildren.

One of Joe’s most notable and inspiring traits was his cheerful and positive outlook on life which was truly was put to the test when he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2002. This aggressive disease has no cure, but Joe was determined that in spite of the prognosis, he was going to be the ONE to conquer it. His “fight to the end,” and ”never give an inch” attitude were unwavering. He continued to play softball for as long as he could, and whenever asked how he was doing, he’d flash one of his famous smiles and say “If I felt any better, it would be illegal.” Joe had such an aura of positivity and strength about him, he never failed to inspire those around him. He left a lasting impression on all the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe’s courageous 5 year battle came to an end suddenly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at Northwest Medical Center in Arizona; with Joe living life to the fullest to the very end. As requested, Joe will be buried next to his parents in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Litchfield, Michigan.

Joseph Elser - loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, in Tucson, AZ, after a five year fight against Lymphoma. Learn more about Joe, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Monday, December 17, and Tuesday, December 18, from 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church.

Members of Joe’s family include his wife Sally; sons, Joe and John, from a previous marriage; daughters: Terri Nemire, Danelle (Matthew) Sturdy, Michelle Nelson; and 11 grandchildren. He follows in death his parents, brother, Donald, and sister, Marilyn. Please visit Joe’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arizona Cancer Center, where a special fund has been set up in Joe’s memory to benefit Lymphoma research - Arizona Cancer Center, 1515 N. Campbell, P.O. Box 245013, Tucson, AZ 85724.