Joel Hautala

Joel D. Hautala

Died April 20, 2021

Traverse City-Joel Hautala, 74 of Traverse City,(formerly Kewadin) went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Joel passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Joel was born November 23, 1946 in Flushing, MI, the son of Ernest and Ruth(VanValkenburg).

Hautala. On July 2, 1966, Joel married Caryl A. Riplow in Kingsley, MI.

He was employed at Super Tool in Elk Rapids. Joel enjoyed working on cars, singing, being a foster father, spending time with family and in the past year making knives for his brothers, sons in law and grandsons.

Joel was a longtime member of the Elk Rapids Bible Church. He will be remembered for his kindness, love of laughter and family.

Joel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Caryl Hautala of Traverse City; five daughters, Melissa (David) Coolbaugh of Huron, SD, Angela Hautala of Traverse City, Teresa (Don) Zbinden of Watertown, MN, Lisa (Ron) Widrig of Rapid City, and Sara (Chris) Hinkley of Kewadin; four foster sons, Jody (Brandi) Pringle of Eastport, Justin (Jenny) Pringle of Kewadin. Josh Pringle of Frankfort and Luke Cunningham of South Carolina; two brothers, Daniel (Cindy) Hautala of The Villages, FL, Steven (Linda) Hautala of Oscoda, and sister Karen Sieffert of Traverse City; twenty grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that will fondly remember, “Papa Joe”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ernest Jr. and sister Lori.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 3pm at Elk Rapids Bible Church with the Rev. Gary Gladfelter officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 2pm until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Rapids Bible Church.