Joe Gundy Sr.

A hardworking man of honor and integrity, Joe Gundy lived a life filled with moments shared with the ones he loved. He was an avid outdoorsman and a gifted woodworker who often shared his time and talents with others. Joe was a devoted family man and loyal and fun-loving friend who was social and outgoing with an approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. Life was not without times of trial, but his faith never wavered, and his strength, courage, and resilience were an inspiration to all who were near. Although he will be deeply missed, Joe leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him. The Roaring Twenties were an exciting and prosperous time in America when technology was leading the way to numerous changes that improved our way of life. Life drastically changed, however, with the historic crash of the stock market in 1929 that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression throughout the 1930s. It was just prior to this tragic day in 1929 that a young couple was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on February 15, 1929, in Muskegon, Michigan. Joe Laverne was one of seven children born to his parents, Earl Jefferson Jeff and Hester (Lamons) Gundy, and was raised on the family farm in Fruitport alongside his brothers, Ken, Norman, Delmar, and Jay, and his sisters, Erma and Elizabeth Betty. In many ways Joe experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the time. His father worked at the Brunswick factory while his mother was a homemaker. Growing up on a farm meant that there was always plenty of chores to go around, and it was while growing up that Joe learned what it means to have a good work ethic. He was a student at Beech School and quit school after the eighth grade, which was not uncommon during this time as young people were often more valuable to their families in the workplace, on the farm, or in the home. When he was just 18, Joe met and began dating a young girl named Geraldine Regan. They later married, and they had a daughter they named Sharon Lee in 1947. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Joe deeply loved his daughter. At this time in his life he worked various jobs in order to earn a living. Brighter days were in store for Joe when he met Ernestine Dumochel. They began dating, fell in love, and were married in February of 1952. Together they welcomed six children including Debbie, Yvonne, Joe Jr., Jeff, Lisa, and Jace, into their hearts and home over the ten years that followed. The family settled in Cloverville where Joe was an active part of his childrens lives. He was a fun dad who made ice skating rinks and a teeter totter for his children. Joe also took them canoeing, and everyone in the family looked forward to their camping trips at Sand Lake. At times there were also trips with other members of the Gundy family as well as trips to the Upper Peninsula. Joe was a good cook who was famous for his homemade noodles and peanut brittle, and since he always kept a huge garden he had plenty of fresh vegetables around in addition to the vegetables he canned to eat throughout the year. His marriage to Ernestine ended after 25 years. Known for his strong work ethic, Joe worked various places through the years. He first worked as a mechanic at an auto parts store before becoming a millwright. Joe then worked at many different places including Brunswick, Hownet, Westran, Lakey Foundry, and G.P. Industries. In his time away from work Joe kept busy. He had several friends with whom he shared many of his interests. He loved fishing and hunting, and for several years he went to deer camp. He bowled on the Moose league for a time and loved heading out on the links with his golf partner and best friend, Bob Carter. For many years they took trips up to McGuires in Cadillac. Joe was a longtime member of Christ Community Congregational Church where he regularly helped out with building projects, cutting the grass, and doing whatever needed to be done around there. He was an accomplished woodworker making lawn ornaments and other creations, but his specialty was making wooden clocks. Over the years Joe made over 100, giving many of them away as gifts to family and friends. Spending time with extended family was highly important so he took many trips to Missouri to learn where his family came from and to visit relatives. Joe was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. After dating Dolores Maclam for a couple of years they were married in 1978. Joe moved into her place on River Road on the North side of Muskegon. Together they took annual trips to Las Vegas and also frequented the casinos in Traverse City once they were built. Joe and his wife liked perch fishing together up North and were big Atlanta Braves fans who loved watching the games on television. Life was not always easy for Joe. His son, Jeff, was hit by a car and died in 1987, and his son, Jace, took his own life in 2001. Joes grandson, Andrew, was hit by a car and died in 2002, and then His wife, Dolores, became very ill and ended her own life in 2003. He was resilient, however, and he made it through these great sorrows with help from his family, his friends, and his faith. Joe also kept busy, too, as he continued golfing with his buddies, made several trips to Missouri to visit family, and spent as much time with his grandchildren as he could. For the last few years he battled Alzheimers disease and eventually moved in with his son, Joe Jr. With a heart that beat to help others, Joe Gundy was a blessing to those around him. He worked hard, and he played hard, too, and he fully embraced every moment he was given. Joe was never one to focus on what he had, rather, he made spending time with his family and friends his main focus. He will never be forgotten. Joe L. Gundy died on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Fraternal Order of Police. Joes family include his children, Debbie (Allen) Stone, Lisa (Ron Henry) Wright of Muskegon, Joe Gundy Jr., Yvonne (Bob) Korstange, Sharon Lee (Bill Bartlett) Fredericks; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; dear friends, Bob & Carol Carter; ex wives, Geraldine & Ernestine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; sons, Jeff Gundy & Jace Gundy; grandson, Andrew Burns; son-in-law, Roy Wright; daughter-in-law, Toni Gundy. Services will be held on Monday, October 13, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ben Janson officiating. Visit with Joes family and friends on Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association or Mercy VNS & Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.