Joseph Willerer

JOSEPH N.WILLERER, 66, of Bellaire MI, and formerly of the Detroit Metro area, died peacefully at home on Friday, October 11, 2013.

He was born July 2, 1947 in Detroit, the son of Joseph L. and Anne M. (Heiler) Willerer.

Joe was an electrician for the Ford Motor Company for 32 years. He retired from that position in 2004 and moved to Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, MI to enjoy all that life in Northern Michigan had to offer. He was a sports enthusiast his whole life, engaging in competitive sports during his years at St. Mary of Redford High School, and he continued to enjoy golf, boating, tennis, and skiing throughout his retirement years. He also enjoyed traveling. Joe had a kind and gentle disposition, a smile that lit up any room he walked into, and he was loved and admired by all who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Shari (Williams) Willerer, daughters Deanna (Travis) Slattery, and Brigid Willerer, step-sons Brian Bohnet and Jeffrey (Kaitlyn) Bohnet, brothers Dick (Jessica) Willerer, and Mark Willerer, nephews Rich (Jill) Willerer, Mike (Lisa) Willerer, and Greg (Olivia) Willerer, great-nieces Maddie and Tara Willerer, several beloved cousins, and many devoted friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, October 26, at 11 am, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 3088 S. M-88, Bellaire. A baseball game will follow at 3 pm that day as a tribute to Joe's love of sports. It will take place at the ball diamond located on M-88 in Bellaire, across from Meadow Brook Nursing Home. Anyone wishing to participate in the game is welcome to join in.

Memorial contributions can be made to "CaringBridge" at www.caringbridge.org/visit/joewillerer , or to "St Mary's Foundation", 200 Jefferson Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Contributions made to "St Mary's Foundation" in Joe's name are earmarked to benefit the ALS Clinic there