Joseph (Joe) Taylor Tormala

Joseph (Joe) Taylor Tormala was called home by His Lord and Savior on December 3, 2016 where he was reunited with his beloved Grandparents Dick Tormala, John and Eva Rudzusieks. Joe leaves behind his wife Danielle the love of his life, the children he embraced with love as his own Mason and Ava, proud parents Rick and Ilze Tormala, beloved Sisters Jaclyn (Joel) Wheeler and Whitney Tormala (Trevor Hawkins), nieces and nephew Emily, Audrey and Brady Wheeler, Grandmother Irene Taylor Tormala, Aunts and Uncles Aina and Terry Oatley, Bob and Stephanie Tormala, and Pete and Judy Rudzusieks. Great Aunts Kay Golden and Dorothy Richards, close and beloved friends Andy and Melissa Duba, Luke and Kerry DeVito, Vince and Tina Mysliwiec, Don and Michelle Serba, numerous cousins in the US, Great Britain, Latvia and across the globe, along with many friends. Joe had a friendly smile, keen intellect, deep convictions, a great sense of humor and that peculiar Finnish characteristic known as sisu-roughly translated as tenacity, courage, stamina and a stubborn refusal to give up when the odds are against you but the cause is just. Joe had it in droves. In his young life he made a tremendous impact in the many lives he touched. Our world was better from Joe being in it. He loved deeply, laughed often, was devoted to family and friends, and always defended the vulnerable. Joe enjoyed sports, swimming, traveling (especially to parks and beaches), playing with dogs and cats and most of all the company of family and friends. He was a proud graduate of St. Alphonsus grade school, Catholic Central High School and Grand Valley State University. Joe was so excited as a proud cougar to attend games with his son Mason especially at Catholic’s new field and to watch CC win this year’s State Championship at Ford Field with Mason, his wife Danielle and his Mom immortalized with a selfie keepsake! Joe’s family and friends will meet with visitors from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Tuesday December 6, 2016 at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan NE and Wednesday one hour prior at church. A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 11:00 am at St. Alphonsus Church, 224 Carrier St NE. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Joe Tormala Memorial Fund (https://www.gofundme.com/btwk73s4) to assist with funeral arrangements. Any additional funds remaining will go directly to Danielle and the kids or to the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Joseph (Joe) Taylor Tormala

May 22, 1979 - December 3, 2016