Emmons Charles "Joe" Engelhardt Jr.

Emmons Charles Engelhardt Jr. "Joe", of Bay City, Michigan, age 65, died Saturday October 29, 2011 after a long illness. Emmons "Joe" was born and lived all his life in Bay City. He was President of the family business, Engelhardt Construction Company, were he worked from the age of 15 until his retirement. Joe loved his work and was born to it, as was his father and grandfather before him. Many of Joe's construction projects stand in the tri-city area and state. Joe attended Michigan State University and was an honors graduate of Northwood University. He served in the U.S. Army for two years as a radio-teletype operator, and was stationed in Korea in 1971. Joe was a dedicated, enthusiastic member of the Bay City Lions Club and participated in helping the blind and others with disabilities. He served as President, Treasurer and in many other capacities for over 34 years. Those who know Joe best will remember that he was an avid sports fan who loved the Tigers, suffered with the Lions, and supported the Red Wings to the end. He was a statistician who delighted in compiling precise records of every game, team and player. He was a devoted music lover whose vast record collection was of great pride to him. He was strong throughout his illness, refusing to accept limitations, and going places and taking part in life regardless of pain. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Emmons & Lauretta Engelhardt, Sr. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Dianne; brother Philip and his wife Nancy; brother Kristoper and his wife Kathy; sister-in-law Linda Gibson and her husband John; sister-in-law Judith Matthews; brother-in-law Robert Lockard; niece Amy Engelhardt; nephews Philip Jr. and Paul Engelhardt, Charles Engelhardt and William, Robert and Michael Fortin. The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am on Thursday November 3, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church, 510 W. Ivy St. Officiating will be Rev. William H. Allwardt. A private family interment service will be held at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 & 7:00 to 9:00pm where the Lions Club Service of Remembrance will begin at 7:30pm. Mr. Engelhardt will lie instate at the church on Thursday from 10:00am until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bay City Lions Club.