Joel E. Trudell
April 7, 1950 – March 13, 2022
A celebration Joel’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or Kalamazoo County Water Recovery and Safety Association, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 71, passed away late Sunday evening, March 13, 2022. Joel was born in Kalamazoo, on April 7, 1950, the son of Vern and Harriett (Hammitt) Trudell. On April 27, 1974, he married Frankie May Shaffer who survives him. Joel was a graduate of Portage Central High School and attended Western Michigan University. He worked for many years at Ingersoll Engineers. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Water Recovery and Dive Team. Many years ago he was a Reserve Public Safety Officer for the City of Portage. Joel was exemplary in the way he lived by always being willing to help others. He was a tinkerer and would rather do things himself than have someone else do it. He and Frankie enjoyed many trips together. He loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. Joel was a loving husband, dad and grandpa. Besides his wife, Joel is survived by his son, Matthew Trudell of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Simon and Quincy; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bullmer; sister, Janis Trudell; nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Christopher (Trudell) Bullmer; a sister, Judy Trudell; and his in-laws.
We have been neighbors of the Trudell’s for over 40 years. Our son Brad babysat for their boys. As we got older and retired from our jobs we found ourselves enjoying evening walks together. He will be missed.
Joe was so amazing. He sense of humor was dry and hilarious. I miss him so much already.
Frankie and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. May you find peace and strength from our Lord at this most difficult of time.
Dear Frankie and family – I am so very sorry. I aways enjoyed our walks around the track at SO Joe was always so kind and would quietly listen as we talked. I will miss him at track. Sending love, prayers and blessings for you and your family during this time. – Dawn and David Dahlman
Joel was a great friend for over 25 years. As a coworker and friend his quick wit and genuine sense of humor made everyone feel at ease. He was also generous in sharing his time and expertise. One way this was demonstrated was volunteering more hours than anyone would have expected to help fix a roof and make sure the job was done right. Likewise, his volunteer work with the Kalamazoo dive team was inspiring and further demonstrated his willingness to do the tough job. Joel was hardworking, but he was also a warm, funny, patient and giving person and we will miss him greatly.
Joe was a very close friend of mine and my sister Judy Kershaw Bunker. We hung out a lot at our house with him and his brother, Chuck Knapp. we would sit at the kitchen table telling jokes and talking music. I’m so sorry for his loss to all of his friends and family. I will always remember him with fondness.
Missing you bunches uncle Joe. We think about you everyday and aunt Jan loves to talk about you <3 this will never sit right with me.