Joseph Russell Beatty

Joseph Russell Beatty, age 82, of Munising, died early Saturday evening, July 17, 2021 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone.  Joe was born on August 24, 1938 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Arthur and Frances (Mosca) Beatty.  He moved to Munising in his youth and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1956.  Joe married his high school sweetheart, Julia Severson on August 17, 1957 and together raised their two children.  Joe went to work at Kimberly Clark and worked through different departments, retiring as a millwright following many years of service.  He had a dedication and passion for the Munising Volunteer Fire Department that was to be admired.  He served in all capacities and offices including Chief throughout the years.  Joe participated in Fireman’s tournaments throughout the U.P. and was a part of the race  and softball teams.  Joe and Julie were faithful members of Sacred Heart Church and they enjoyed spending time together golfing, walking, and spending time at their camp on Lost Lake.  As a family, they spent a lot of time snowmobiling and bird hunting together.  Joe volunteered and helped anyone who needed something.  He was involved in the building projects at Pictured Rocks Golf Course, and he enjoyed playing in men’s league.  Joe and Julia were married over sixty-one years when she preceded him in death on December 28, 2019.  His love and care for her with her memory loss was testament to what marriage should be for all.

Joe is survived by his children – Greg Beatty of Munising and Karen (Bob) Manske of Portage, WI; grandchildren – Joey, Jessica, Nicole, and Brent; great-grandchildren – Brynn and Emerson; sisters – Marge Maxon of Munising, Shirley Cluley of AuTrain, Rita (Rich) Sinervo of Florida, and Barbara Boyd of Antigo, WI; brothers – Larry “Chuck” (Hilda) Beatty of Alabama, Michael “Mick” (Caroline) Beatty of Illinois, and Ron (Alice) Mager of Munising; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, wife Julia, and brother Donald Mager.

Visiting time with family and friends will be on Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home where the Munising Volunteer Fire Department will stand as honor guard.  Joe’s Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Munising on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery with committal prayers and music.

Memorials in Joe’s name are requested to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.