Joel Robert Stocking, age 66, of Southwest Michigan unexpectedly passed away July 17, 2022. Joel was born on June 28, 1956, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Robert Z. and Elizabeth J. (Wise) Stocking who preceded him in death. Joel was good natured, kind and selfless. He was generous with his time, his skills, and above all, his love and affection. Joel was a man quick to smile who loved to share the things he enjoyed with his extended family, siblings and friends. Joel was always most content and comfortable in the outdoors. He loved fishing with his family and friends, but most of all, with his best girl who he was with twenty-three years, Debbie (Julien) Stocking. Joel and Debbie, soulmates who complemented one another perfectly, married on March 14, 2003. Joel and Debbie had a loving marriage, built on friendship and deep admiration and were always mad for each other. When not enjoying time cuddled up at home with his wife and dog, Joel enjoyed being outdoors hunting, riding motorcycles, camping, boating, swimming and riding bicycles and ATV’s with his beloved grandchildren. Joel’s grandchildren were one of the greatest sources of joy for him. He loved watching their performances, activities, and competitions. He truly enjoyed playing with, and spending time with, his grandkids. He always had a special, genuine, twinkle in his eye when one (or more) of his grandkids wanted to sit on his lap and cuddle, talk, or be silly with their papa. He took great joy and pride in the accomplishments and pursuits of his children and grandchildren, most recently he was filled with pride to see his grandson Riley J. Stocking, PFC graduate from Marine Corp. Boot Camp and was looking forward to seeing his Marine career unfold. Joel had a laugh as gentle and sweet as he was. He loved music, and he could always, always, be counted on to arrive early. He was conscientious of others, but also told it like it was without causing offence, an admirable and rare quality. Joel was as rugged and tough as he was loving, never afraid to get his hands dirty. He was a certified crane operator and spent his career working for Harmsen Construction doing commercial and residential construction on some of the major buildings in the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo area. He was proficient in a multitude of heavy construction equipment and enjoyed his work. Joel enjoyed life; he was a happy, deeply loved and admired man, who made the lives of all who knew him brighter. His loved ones will take comfort in the memories of endless smiles, laughter, and adventure. He is survived by his darling wife and best friend, Debbie S. (Julien) Stocking; children Jennifer S. (Jonathon R.) Allen, Jason R. (Jen) Stocking, and stepchildren who he loved like his own, Robert “Rob” W. (Joisan) DeHaan, William “Bill” K. (Jennifer “Jenn” ) DeHaan, and Renee D. (Jonathan) Langford; grandchildren Riley, Kayden, Scarlett, Anneke, Decker, Jackson, Ella, Lily, Irie, Eden, Lex and Marah; Siblings Patricia Taylor, John Stocking, Judy Kortz, and Dennis “Den” (Penny) Stocking and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Robert and Fredrick Stocking and sister Barbara Stocking. In celebration of Joel’s life a visitation will be held at Stroo Funeral Home (1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids) on Friday, July 22, from 5 – 8 pm as well as a visitation on Saturday, July 23 from 10-11 am which will be followed by Joel’s funeral. Burial services will take place at Kent Memorial Gardens (7101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center) at 1:30 pm. Flowers may be directed to Stroo Funeral Home or donations in Joel’s name can be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org
STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508
Published by Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. from Jul. 21 to Jul. 22, 2022.
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