Joseph "Joe" Kane

Joseph “Joe” George Kane, 64, of Traverse City, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant battle with lymphoma. Joe was born April 22, 1958 to the late Erwin “Pete” and Joanne (Wyka) Kane in Sheridan, MI. He was the youngest of seven surviving children, the little “bookend” of two brothers with five sisters between. After his father passed when Joe was 17, he assumed the role as man of the house to his mother, a responsibility he cherished throughout his life. Joe graduated from Greenville High School in 1977 and went on to obtain a Bachelors in Business Administration at Ferris State University. He spent his college summers working at the Iroquois Hotel on Mackinac Island. It was here, by fate, he met the woman of his dreams Rita (Westhaus); him, a member of the maintenance crew, and her, a waitress in the hotel restaurant. They were married in Livonia, Michigan on May 26, 1984. “The Mackinac Kid”, as Joe had come to be known, continued his adventures with Rita all throughout Michigan where they welcomed their three children. A lover of nature, fishing, and the great outdoors, Joe was ever eager to lead family camping vacations through the Midwest and beyond. His favorite destinations forever remained up in “God’s Country,” the Upper Peninsula. Until his retirement, Joe worked as a Field Inspector within the fire insurance industry, often traveling off the beaten path. This includes over 25 years working for Insurance Services Office, Inc. Joe knew this state’s road maps like the back of his Michigan hand; at the drop of a hat Joe could offer directions to any destination with an overwhelming number of routes. His job on the road offered exploration, solitude, and time for his favorite talk radio shows and Gordon Lightfoot albums. Joe’s perpetual passion was his family, always the focus of his love and energy. He spent his life devoted to providing the family with humor, support, time and encouragement. From Boy Scouts to dance recitals, academics and athletics, he was an ever-present and humble cheerleader. He loved providing behind the scenes help to so many of his children’s pursuits. In later years, Joe relished the addition of three beautiful grandchildren who affectionately called him Dziadzia (pronounced ja-ja), a nod to his prideful Polish heritage. Joe derived this passion for family from his steadfast faith. A long-time, devoted member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Joe spent his time finding ways to serve with humility. He was an ever-reliable volunteer, friend, and quiet leader. Joe found fraternity and purpose as a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving in many leadership roles including Grand Knight. He was also an active member of the Traverse City Cursillo movement and lived their motto: make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ. He is survived and missed dearly by wife Rita, children Jonathan Kane, Elise (Daniel) Turk, and Kevin (fiancé Caroline Lisée) Kane, grandchildren Isaac, Joshua, and Rosalie Turk, sisters Lynne (Richard) Deline, Candy (Thomas) Schmiedicke, Laura VanVliet, Connie (Don) Servais, Pati Kane, sister-in-law Carol Kane, mother-in-law Carol Westhaus, and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and more. He is preceded in death by parents Erwin “Pete” and Joanne Kane, brother Jimmy Kane, infant brother George, brother-in-law Del VanVliet, father-in-law Harry Westhaus, great nephews Joshua and Ian Schmiedicke, and great-great niece Mathilda Stutzman. Visitation will take place Sunday January 22, 2023 from 1-3pm and 5-7pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home (Traverse City, MI) with a rosary to follow at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday January 23, 2023 at Christ the King Catholic Church (Williamsburg, MI) at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Joe’s final resting place will be Oakwood Catholic Cemetery (Traverse City, MI). Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to contribute to Grand Traverse Area Right to Life 1026 Hannah Ave. Suite C Traverse City, MI 49686 or Knights of Columbus Council 9979 c/o Christ the King church 3801 Shore Rd. Williamsburg, MI 49690. These organizations were near and dear to his heart. The Kane family further wishes to offer profound gratitude for the abundance of excellent spiritual, emotional, and medical care offered by many dear friends, family, and medical providers during his final days. Joe “The Mackinac Kid” Kane, faithful servant, rest in peace.

Joseph "Joe" Kane

April 22, 1958 - January 11, 2023