Joe's life began November 25, 1937 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was a lifetime Dowagiac resident, graduating from Dowagiac Union High School in 1957. Joe worked for Sunstrand in Dowagiac for three years and then went to work for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 35 years in the Tri-State area until he retired.  Joe was a collector of many things, if you needed it he had it.

His loving family includes; his wife June, whom he enjoyed 50 years of marriage, his son Brian and his wife Julie of Kalamazoo, a granddaughter Christianna, four step grandchildren, nine step great grandchildren, a sister Verlayne (Lloyd) King, and two nieces.

Joe died Monday, January 13, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Joe is preceded in death by a daughter Robin Schommer, a brother Don Schommer, and his parents Ralph and Lucille Schommer. Funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, January 18, at 12:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 10:00 AM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Cremation will follow the service and Joe will be buried in Keeler Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Joe's family.