Howard "Joe" Blodgett, 59, of Traverse City passed away after a six year valiant battle with cancer , at his home on Saturday, June 09, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on Tuesday, July 1, 1952 in Traverse City, the son of Howard H. and Edith Claire (Saudemont) Blodgett, He attended Traverse City Schools , graduating from Traverse City Central and then earned his associates degree at NMC.

Joe was an avid sailor, having customized his own sailboat. He also enjoyed kayaking, biking, was a certified scuba diver and a gifted wood worker. He enjoyed his guitar, was a talented artist and was a voracious reader. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy.

Surviving Joe is his wife, the former Suzanne Gauthier, who he married on Saturday, June 7, 1975 in Traverse City; by his daughter Sarah, who affectionately called him "sailboat stalker" for his love of looking at sailboats, his mother, Edith Blodgett of Traverse City and siblings. Shirley (Don) Topping of Traverse City, Don (Ann Marie) Blodgett of Georgia, Michael (Ann) Blodgett of Traverse City and Harry (Holly) Blodgett of New Mexico. Also surviving are his brother and sister in law, David (JoAnn) Gauthier of Cedar and Janice Gauthier of Traverse City, many nieces and nephews, and his best friends, Dale Jackowski and Cliff Conrad, both of Traverse City

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Howard, his mother and father in law, Dorothy and Dean Gauthier and his side kick, Jessie.

A family celebration of Joe's life will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Joe's memory may be directed to Paws for a Cause.

Please share your memories of Joe with his family by way of his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.