Joseph W. Comstock

Traverse City - Joseph W. Comstock, 90 of Traverse City passed away March 21, 2016 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living surrounded by his family. Joe was born on January 20, 1926 in Traverse City to the late Wilmot "Bill" and Alberta (Juiff) Comstock. Joe graduated from St. Francis Catholic High School in 1943. He then attended Central Michigan University before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served our country honorably in WWII. After returning from his time in the service, he completed one more year at Central, and then went on to graduate from the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Engineering in 1950. Go Blue! On June 9, 1951 Joe married Jean K. Nelson at St. Francis Catholic Church. Joe joined his father full time in the family business, Comstock Construction Company, in 1950, taking over full ownership in 1965 and retiring at the age of 89. He was very active in the Association of General Contractors and served on the Michigan Chapter for over 25 years, serving on many committees and leading the organization as President in 1975. Joe also served on the State Building Code Commission after being appointed by Gov. Blanchard. Joe was a lifetime member of St. Francis Catholic Church, serving on the facilities committee that was instrumental in the building of the current church facility, which he fondly referred to as his “perfect” job. In his spare time Joe enjoyed sports. He played for the Traverse City Merchants Semi Professional Base Ball team in 1942. He also loved watching his children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. He especially liked to watch St. Francis and The University of Michigan football and basketball teams. He was a season ticket holder for U of M football for over 30 years. Joe liked to boat, ski and golf and was a member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. Joe and Jean wintered in Pelican Bay, Florida for several years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Joe is survived by his wife Jean of almost 65 years, his son Michael (Marie) Comstock, daughter Jody (Tom) Bergman, son Thomas (Calina) Comstock, daughter Mary (Tim) Benedict, son Casey (Becky) Comstock, son Joseph Comstock II, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and niece Mary Alicia (Keith) Thompson. Joe was preceded in death by his sister Mary (Jorge) Colin and one grandson, Mac Tyler Comstock. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Francis Catholic Church with the rosary to be prayed at 10 am with visitation until the time of mass. Graveside services will follow at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Francis Catholic Church Building Fund or to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Building Fund. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Orchard Creek for their care and compassion. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign Joe's online guestbook and to share your memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Joseph W. Comstock

January 20, 1926 - March 21, 2016