It is with great sorrow and sadness that our family announce the passing of Michael Allyn Joyce; husband, dad, brother, uncle, papa and friend. At the age of 83, Michael passed away on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 with his wife Vicky and family by his side.
Michael was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 11th, 1941, to Edward and Marguerite Joyce. Michael attended catholic elementary schools, St. Charles Preparatory School and then went on to attend Notre Dame University from 1959 -1963 where he graduated with a bachelors in business. Michael was proud to be a Fighting Irish and a Buckeye.
Michael and former spouse, Nancy Harper, had 4 daughters together whom they adored. During his career in sales, he worked for Standard Oil Company, Hallmark and Pam Ellstrom Sales until his retirement. His work took him many miles throughout the Midwest states meeting people that he would end up calling friends. Mike was well suited for his job in sales with his personable attitude and his “gift of talk”. Mikes work in sales later brought him to Michigan.
Michael and Vicky met in the mid 80’s and married in 1988. Michael and Vicky recently celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary together. Their children are Kelly Fabian, Kathleen McCrory, Kara Maddox, the late Kristin Kolpacke, Dennis (Trina) Phillips, Jason (Jenny Hovey) Phillips and Emily (Bryan) Blackburn. Together, Michael and Vicky have 17 grandchildren; Timothy, Kristin, Maxwell, Anna, Jacob, Alaina, Abigail, Joseph, Kelly, Joshua, Madalyn, Emma, Megan, Grace, Lucas, Kennedy and Olyvia. And two great grandchildren; Paisley and Raiden. Michael and Vicky enjoyed traveling throughout our great state of Michigan. With frequent visits to Lake Michigan in Manistee, Traverse City, Ludington and Higgins Lake.
Upon retirement you could find Michael at one of the local golf courses. He loved to play golf and when he wasn’t playing you could find him watching it on TV. He also enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren. Michael was their “Papa” and he would travel all over the state to see them participate in their various sporting events, baseball, volleyball, skiing, basketball golf, hockey and cheerleading.
Michael was very proud of his Irish heritage. The Catholic religion has been a staple throughout Michael’s life. He attended church faithfully; he was a member of Our Lady of Hope Church in Clare for over 38 years.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Marguerite Joyce, brothers Edward Joyce, Stephen Joyce, sister-in-law Phyllis Joyce and daughter Kristin Kolpacke.
Our family would like to give a special thank you to North Woods Nursing Center and the entire staff. Over the last year, they have become a second family to Michael and to us. Our family became friends with each of the staff members through the daily interactions. They provided such friendly and compassionate professional care to Michael. Our family will miss every one of these care givers and cannot thank them enough for their gentle kindness.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to one of Michael’s favorite charities; St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Our Lady of Hope Church Building Fund, or North Woods Nursing Center Resident Activity program.
A funeral Mass was held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish with Monsignor Francis Koper officiating on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 11 am to honor Michael. A Celebration of Life was held following at Eagle Glen Golf Course. Arrangements were handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com .
