Joel McCormick

Headed out on the open road on his motorcycle is where Joel McCormick truly loved to be, leaving his cares behind and where all seemed right with the world. Joel was a good hearted man whom others were drawn to with his warm demeanor and generous heart. He lived his life with tremendous vibrancy, making the most of each and every day he was given while cherishing those he loved the most, his family.

During the 1940’s the radio was a lifeline for many Americans providing news, entertainment, and music which included the sounds of Frank Sinatra and rhythm and blues. Julian and Lillian (Van Dine) McCormick, of Douglas, Michigan were preparing for an exciting time in their family; as Lillian was due to give birth to their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on August 3, 1947 with the healthy birth of their son, Joel. Along with his older brother Fred, Joel spent his childhood in Saugatuck where he established a love for fishing as a young boy. Joel’s father helped support his family as a mechanic at Holland Motor Express and his mother worked in the factory there as well. Joel attended school in the Saugatuck Public School System through the tenth grade, and he established a strong work ethic as well; as he worked on a farm and at a bottling plant in Saugatuck that was owned by the House family.

After his time in school, Joel headed down a few different paths that helped shape him into the unique individual that his family and friends knew and loved. He joined the United States Army and served from 1966 to 1968 during a time in which our country was engaged in the Vietnam War. He served as a mechanic in Battery B, 6th Battalion, of the 38th Artillery Brigade's 44th Artillery. Upon his return to civilian life, Joel found employment at Holland Die Casting. Joel’s life headed in a new direction when he married a former classmate of his named Sharon Stull, on September 27, 1986. Throughout the years that followed, Joel worked as a mechanic and as a carpenter.

There were some activities that Joel enjoyed pursuing when he had some leisure time. Although a motorcycle accident left Joel with a broken hip and leg when he was in his early twenties, Joel had a lifelong love for motorcycles. Joel shared his passion for motorcycles with Sharon and they often went riding together on one of his numerous bikes. As often as he could, he attended Bike Week in Sturgis, South Dakota which usually occurs in early August. Joel and Sharon also liked to camp, often heading to places such as Florida, South Dakota, and to many magnificent locations that northern Michigan has to offer. Every morning, Joel and Sharon headed to the Blue Goose Restaurant in Fennville where they enjoyed breakfast and he was a lifetime member of the VFW Post in Fennville and of the Moose Lodge in Otsego as well.

In addition to his love for motorcycles, Joel seemed to love just about anything that had four wheels and a lot of muscle. He liked going to the Martin Dragway, now known as the US 131 Motorsports Park, with his cousin where they always had a great time. Joel had a Chevy Camaro that he often took in the parade and he always had a hot rod of some kind. He even loved riding around in his pickup truck, nicknamed “his little red truck” where he listened to music and often stopped to visit with his friends too.

Joel was certainly one of a kind, he had numerous friends and everyone just seemed to know him too. Although he could be a bit grumpy at times, Joel was kindhearted and generous, always willing to help others in any way he could. Joel treasured his family as well and was delighted when grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren arrived, enriching his life with laughter in a way that only children can.

Whether he was valiantly serving his country, enjoying a tasty breakfast with his wife, or watching a drag race, Joel McCormick did everything with zest and finesse. He could get along with anyone and he liked to work hard and play hard too. Joel made the most of each day, embracing both the easy and hard times along life’s journey. Joel was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all those he leaves behind.

Joel McCormick of New Richmond died on Sunday April 5, 2009 in Holland Hospital.

Joel’s family includes his wife, Sharon McCormick; his two step sons, Bob Hopkins and Lewis Hopkins; his children. Jodi Lynn (Dan) Diepenhorst, Kevin Jay McCormick Van Wieren, Timothy Ray McCormick; Tammy McCormick; his grandchildren, Bobby Hopkins, Elizabeth Hopkins, Johnathan Hopkins, and Brittany Hopkins, Abby Diepenhorst; his great granddaughters, Tayla Laurraine Lynn Hopkins and Eowyn Mary Christine Van Wieren; his brother Frederick McCormick; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Hopkins; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Mary Hopkins Van Wieren and an infant son.

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Thursday April 9, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel – Holland, MI, 188 West 32nd Street.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers to your local Humane Society.