Joseph B. Hawley

Joseph B. Hawley, age 83, of Gladstone and formerly of Eben Junction, died in the emergency room at OSF Hospital in Escanaba. Joe was born on June 21, 1942 in Marquette to Elwyn “Pee Wee” and J. Rita (Dennis) Hawley. He graduated from Eben High School in 1960 and moved to Milwaukee for work. Joe married Phyllis Tweedale on February 1, 1964 at St. Rita Church and together raised their daughters. They moved to Waukegan, IL where he worked for Good Year Tire and Rubber and then for International Harvester. The family returned home to Eben in 1977, and Joe built their home. He worked for CCI Forest Products and then the Superior Central Schools for twenty years. Joe and Phyllis moved to Gladstone in December of 2022. Joe enjoyed hunting camp, bowling, fishing, gardening, and maintaining his lawn.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty-one years – Phyllis Hawley of Gladstone; their daughters – Vicky (Jay) Kirby of Wells and Julie Hawley of Rapid River; grandchildren – Janelle Negri and Justin (Leah) Kirby; five great-grandsons – Mason Joseph, Andrew Scott, and Mathew Donald Negri, and Hayes Lyle and Lane Joseph Kirby; brothers – Bobby (Donette) Hawley of Shelby Township and Duane (Gina) Laakso of Limestone; sisters – Suzie (Ron) Dittmer of Vancouver, WA and Ann (Rusty) Atherton of Gladstone; sister-in-law – Lynn Hawley; one and only aunt – Christine Hawley of Menominee Falls, WI; numerous nieces and nephews; very good friend and classmate – Wayne Salo and very good friend – Jerry Melchiori. Joe was preceded in death by his father Elwyn Hawley, mother Rita Hawley Laakso, stepfather Ferd Laakso, and brothers William “Bill”, Tommy (Kitty), and Frank Hawley.

Visiting time with family and friends will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m