Joel Victor Jannenga

Joel Jannenga, age 84, of Ada, Michigan, was born on August 30, 1941, in Rockford, Michigan. After a courageous battle with cancer, Joel was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of his home.

Joel proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Following his military service, he began a 33-year career with General Motors, where he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and a friend to everyone. After taking an early retirement, Joel found a new calling as a massage therapist. His work was about far more than relieving physical pain. He genuinely cared for every person who walked through his door, offering kindness, compassion, and a listening ear. Through his practice, he formed lasting friendships and touched countless lives.

Joel never met a stranger. He had a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. His warm smile, generous spirit, and sincere interest in others left a lasting impression wherever he went.

Sports were a lifelong joy for Joel, especially when he could share that passion with young athletes. For many years, he coached at St. Patrick’s School in Parnell and with Lowell Little League Baseball. He taught much more than the fundamentals of the game; he modeled teamwork, perseverance, respect, and good sportsmanship.

Above all else, Joel’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful example of selfless love. His family meant everything to him, and he lived his life for them with a servant’s heart. Whether he was offering a helping hand, sharing his wisdom, or simply being present, Joel gave generously of himself. His life reflected humility, faith, kindness, and an unwavering love that his family will carry with them always.

Joel loved to travel and to notice God’s beauty all around him. For him, it was never only about the destination, but the journey—and he especially enjoyed taking the back roads. He also had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and an endless curiosity about the world around him.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jo Ann (Jastifer) Jannenga; his nine children, Margie (Russ) Slupe, Kenny (Michelle) Jannenga, Mary (Bob) Nugent, Colleen (Tom) Miller, Dennis (Sharla) Jannenga, Andy (Rose) Jannenga, Greg Jannenga, Nathan (Jane) Jannenga, and Sarah (Joe) Ludovico; his twenty-two grandchildren, Nichole (Pat), McKenzie (Haydn), Gus (Brandy), Ryan (Melissa), Alan (Hannah Mae), Erin (Tom), Jason (Jessica), Hannah (Bryan), Hendrick (Isabelle), Abe (Peter), Rylee (Kelton), Jacob (Carisa), Ethan (Skylar), Finnley, Logan, Nora (Jake), Nolan (Madeline), James (Olivia), Kai, Malia, Kami, and Eli; his great-grandchildren, Callie, Hadley, Braxton, Mara, baby Hennes, Ayvlin, Baylee, Dilynn, Jepson, Bella, Warren, Trapp, Hazel, Cylas, Willow, Molly, Margot, Brooks, Joleenah, Juliette, Danny, and Tommy; his siblings; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Virginia Jannenga; his great-grandson, Westley Robert; his father- and mother-in-law, Gus and Margaret Jastifer; his brother-in-law, Bill Middleton; and his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Jastifer and Kathy Gerke.

Joel’s family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his faith, service, kindness, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

Visitation for Joel will be on Friday July 31, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joel’s name may be made to St. Patrick’s School in Parnell.