Joel M. Kenny

Joel M. Kenny, Age 61 of Manistee died Saturday morning, October 1, 2016 at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born on July 13, 1955 in Manistee the son of Jean (Arkin) Kenny and the late Don Kenny. He was a 1973 graduate of Manistee High School and earned his Associates Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from West Shore Community College in 1982. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), serving from November of 1973 to March of 1976. He married Bonnie L. Lempke on October 4, 1986 in Manistee.

Joel was employed as a custodian by the Manistee Elks Lodge #250. He previously had been employed by Kenny's Supermarket in Onekama, the Chippewa Hotel/Coral Gables, and Manistee Big Boy.

Joel enjoyed sports and was a huge fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions. An avid pool shark & poker player, he also enjoyed playing baseball, golf, and spending time in his garage with all his buddies.

Survivors include the "Love of His Life"; Bonnie L. Kenny and their feline companions, his mother; Jean Kenny, his sisters; Laurie Kenny, Melanie (Ronald) Gary, and Kellie (Terry) Golembiewski, his mother-in-law; Anna Lempke, In-Laws; Sandy (Steve) Mezeske, Connie Waitner, & Johanna Lempke, Nieces and Nephews; Jaime, Joshua, Michael, Emma, T.J., Melissa, Niki, Karl, Jodee, Andrea, and Shelly, 14 great nieces and nephews, Aunts & Uncles; Corinne Lloyd, John (Louise) Kenny, Kay (Ken) Bauer, Lynn (Dennis) Schimke, and Sandy Rapp, as well as numerous cousins.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a brother; Donnie Kenny, father-in-law; Lawrence Lempke, and brothers-in-law; Butch Lempke, and Karl Waitner.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday October 4, 2016 from Noon to 4:00 PM at Joel’s Place/Garage.
Memorials in Joel’s name may be directed to The First Tee of Northern Michigan, Box 613, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 (Locally conducted by Manistee Elks Lodge #250) or Homeward Bound Animal Shelter.

Please visit Joel’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a story or photo. The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home & cremation Center with funeral arrangements.

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