Welton "Joe" Ryder

April 5, 1942 - January 28, 2022

Welton “Joe” Joseph Ryder, 79, passed into God’s care, January 28, 2022, while wintering in Florida. Devoted husband and father. He married the love of his life, Bernadine Killeen, who survives him, on May 29, 1971 at Empire United Methodist Church. He was born in Saginaw, April 5, 1942, to parents Welton George and Madalynne (Stolte) Ryder, who both preceded him in death. Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Airforce, serving for 20 years. After retiring from the military, he worked for a local cable TV company and Ace Hardware in Empire. He retired a second time in 2007 after 13 years at Munson Medical Center Foster Family Community Health, as senior maintenance. Even after retirement, he continued to volunteer at that site for an additional 12 years! His main hobby was helping other people and making them smile. Sometimes by coming, sometimes by going. Joe is survived by his wife Bernadine “Bernie” Ryder; children Lonnie Joe Ryder, Robin Charlene (Rick VanHammen) Ryder, Keith Duane (Kristi) Ryder and Kristie Diane (Scott Cave) Ryder; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings Janet Goodeman, Beverly (Joseph) Jesselaitis, Lynne Bensch, Diana (Richard) Schultz, Wendy Casavan and Robert (Kathy) Ryder; siblings-in-law Diana and Gary McArthur and Bernie and Marilyn Killeen; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law Bernard and Geraldine Killeen and brothers-in-law Laird Killeen Rodney Bensch. A graveside service with military honors will take place Saturday, June, 4, 10:00 AM, at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial contributions to Munson Hospice or to the Benzie County Animal Welfare league. Memories and condolences may be shared on Joe’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com