Joseph Camille Beel, born December 6, 1929, passed peacefully at the age of 94, at Trillium Woods Faith Hospice in Byron Center.

Joe was born in Meulebeke, Belgium and at a young age travelled to Ellis Island with his parents and settled in Detroit, MI. Joe graduated from Denby High School in June 1948 where he excelled in academics, football, and landing the love of his life, Madelyn Emling. Later, he played football for the University of Michigan, was a member of Sigma Chi, and graduated with a degree in business. After marrying and starting a family, Joe and Madelyn moved to Western Michigan where they made Kentwood their home.

Joe was successful in the mortgage business and eventually retired and enjoyed living at their historic cottage near the Holland State Park and during the winter months, they enjoyed warm weather and sunshine in Stuart, FL.

Joe was often seen wearing a golf hat or sweatshirt to support his love for the Maize and Blue, United States of America, or the Ottawa Beach Historic Society. Joe loved working out and was known at many Planet Fitness gyms even through his 80's! However, Joe was most passionate and showed love for his family legacy of eleven grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

Joe leaves behind his loving wife of 72 years, Madelyn Beel, and his three daughters, Cindy Beel – Bates (David), Laura (Scott) Knapp, and Nancy (Norman) Lining. Michelle Beel is Joe's daughter-in-law by his son, Joe, who preceded Joseph in death by eight years.

Joe and Madelyn's grandchildren include, Nicole (Mike) Collett, Lindsey Knapp, Jordan (Tamara) Beel, Jonas Beel, McCann (Michaela) Beel, Pagiel (Matt) Harmon, Meredith Kennedy, Mike (Katie) Bates, Matt (Katey) Lining, Kevin (Paris) Lining, and Jake Lining.

Their great-grandchildren include, Lauren and Jack Collett, Ava Knapp, Charlie (Julia) Bates, Ella, Everleigh, and Sawyer Kennedy, Jude, Sofia and Jonah Beel, Liam and Ellory Beel, Eli, Beckett, Tate and Josiah Beel ,Olivia and Andrew Lining and Langston Lining.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday January 6, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508 with a memorial service to promptly follow.

Donations in Joe's name may be made to Tunnel to Towers (www.t2t.org) or Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods (www.faithhospicecare.org).