Joseph Marvin Genia

On Friday, February 20, 2026, Joseph M. Genia passed peacefully in Lafayette, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family. He was 57 years old. Born to Marvin H. Genia and Margaret J. Compo, Joseph was a beloved husband, devoted son, cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Joseph, called Joe, was known for being involved in his culture and community, and for his love of driving trucks. He belonged to the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and was proud of his heritage. He drummed and sang with different drums throughout his life and loved going to powwows with his family. Known as “my precious Joe” to his mother, he also had a special bond with each of his siblings. Joe married the love of his life, Nicole, on September 19, 2016.

Joseph also had a strong work ethic. He earned his CDL and drove a semi truck for over 20 years for different companies. He was never without a Diet Pepsi and a candy bar in his cab. His love of the road extended to his personal life as well, and he would take frequent road trips with his wife, Nicole. They enjoyed going out in the Jeep to find back roads and two-tracks to explore. Joseph also loved going to Petoskey and the surrounding area; it was his favorite place and where he felt the most at home. He loved car shows, going to the movies, and (despite what he would have you believe) he loved his dogs, Zoey, Boris, and Lucy. Above all, Joseph tried every day to live in a good way, mino bimaadiziwin. He never stopped trying to be a better person for his wife, his family, and his community.

Joseph leaves behind a large, loving family. He is predeceased by his parents Marvin Genia and Margaret Compo, and his brother Russel Genia. Joseph is survived by his wife, Nicole Genia, daughters Alexandra (Charles Loelius) Genia, Rachel Genia, Nangohns Genia, stepsons Andrew Clark, Shane Clark, and Stephen (Elena) Clark, and adopted son Michael Denhof-Genia; granddaughter Zezalyn Evans. He is also survived by loving siblings: brothers Kurt Genia and Jeremiah (Barbara) Compo, as well as sisters Margaret (Jeffrey) Adams, Dakota Compo, and Jazzlyn Genia-Compo. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members will miss him dearly, too.

Joseph-baa’s family wishes to thank and acknowledge the firekeepers who kept his fire burning (during a blizzard!) and allowed us to help him in his journey. Visitation services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, located at 900 East Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, on March 1, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on March 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The committal service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, located at 105 Greenwood Cemetery Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770, on March 3, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.