Joe's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Joe here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I sadly never got to meet Joe, but I worked with his son David who always had such wonderful stories to share about his father (and his entire family) whom he loved and clearly absolutely cherished. May Joe rest in peace.
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Imen McDonnell
March 25th, 2022 at 8:32pm
I cherish the memories of Joe and the whole Howell family spending time and vacations with the Talaga’s and Raab’s. Joe always had such a humble presence and an authentic, welcoming interest in others. He will have his wonderful family to carry on his caring spirit, as they are all just like him that way. Forever remembered, Joe!
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John Talaga
March 24th, 2022 at 6:44pm
I first met Joe in his store in Benton Harbor when he was my customer. I saw him every six weeks and always found him with a smile. A couple of years after we met my son Scott tells me how "cool" his friend David's dad was, and we should be friends. From the mouths of babes - I have counted Joe among my group of friends for 40+ years. I think we ALL felt privileged to know Joe and we all enjoyed his smile, laugh and just pleasant personality. The family has a great loss but hopefully finds solace in his smile and the bevy of friends he has.
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William Sullivan
March 23rd, 2022 at 8:20pm
My favorite memory of Joe was the way he treated others. When he had the Riverview drugstore, almost every day Eugene and Mary Smith would come in the store. They were a developmentally disabled couple who had nothing better to do than come in and chat with Joe. Joe was so kind and patient with them it was inspiring. He would speak to them for hours as he filled the prescriptions for others. I try to exhibit that kind of kindness every day to kin, friends and strangers.
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David Howell
March 23rd, 2022 at 5:55pm
We love the Howell family who so welcomed our son, Blair, as a family member. Yesterday he told us that he would never have known about Colorado and skiing if the Howells had not taken him at 14 years old on a family trip to Colorado. Thank you for expanding his horizons — a desire of every parent. What a wonderful man Joe was and what a wonderful family you all are. We are grateful and we will miss him.
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Byron & Nancy Stock
March 22nd, 2022 at 9:00pm