Joseph Nathan England

Joseph (Joe) Nathan England Jr. 94, of Hillsdale, MI passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022, at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, following a rapid health decline. He was born on December 1, 1927, in Jackson, Michigan to Joseph N. and Lucinda (Luiza Miller) England. Joe learned responsibility at an early age during The Depression and he carried this trait throughout life, being a respected role model for his family. He graduated from East Jackson High School and then enlisted in the army, but he was honorably discharged from basic training with rheumatic fever. After taking a job at Consumer’s Power Co. as a ditch digger he worked his way up to Lineman then Foreman and finally the Supervisor at the Company’s Jonesville, MI facility, retiring with nearly 40 years of service. He married Bernice L. Baker, (Bernie) his soulmate on September 5, 1948, in Michigan Center, MI. They later moved to Adrian, MI, where they raised four children. They were happily married 71 years. Joe spent many patient loving hours boating and fishing with the grand and great grandkids. He enjoyed playing cards, watching football, gardening, solving puzzles and he always had M&Ms on hand. After he retired, Joe and Bernie wintered in Florida where he golfed daily and was always generous with his time helping at community events at the Blue Parrot Campground in Lady Lake. Joe was known for his rice pudding at potlucks and they enjoyed making crafts together, play cards/games and were known to take home many a pot. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Pamela, his wife Bernice, two infant sisters (Hazel, Bessie), and sisters Lucy Blanchard, Mabel Dauk, Elsie George, Mary England and Betty Lou Stanfield. He is survived by his children Charlotte (Kevin) Begley of Pahrump, NV, Lorene LaVoie of Pinckney, MI, Daniel (Cathy Leece) England of Gilbert, MN, and brother Roy England of Grass Lake, MI, 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI, 49202) with a brief service following at 2:00 PM. Joe will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Jackson, MI. In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to Shalom Lutheran Church, Pinckney, MI.