Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
FUNERAL HOME
129 S Grand St
Schoolcraft, Michigan
Joseph Work Obituary
Portage
Age 82, died February 7 in Kalamazoo, MI. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Eastman School of Music. He joined the Army and was in the 7th Army Symphony and toured extensively in Europe. When he returned to the US he attained his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. Work taught in the Music Department of Western Michigan University and was principal violist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for thirty five years. He is survived by his wife, Sheila of 54 years and son, Timothy and his family in Montreal, Canada. As per wishes of the deceased there will be no memorial service.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Work
13 Entries
Mozelle Bell
June 14, 2014
We'll miss Joe at the Adult Chamber Music Camp at Interlochen. I always looked forward to playing Haydn string quartets with him. Mozelle Sawyer Bell
richard caldwell
March 14, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of this. Dr. Work taught me the Beethoven violin concerto in 1971 when I was a grad student at Western. Wonderful memories.
Wonderful man - I miss him, R. Caldwell
Don Burns
February 18, 2014
We are sorry to hear of Joe's death. Not only did we share as neighbors in Kirkshire back in the 60's; but also remember when Joe and his string quartet played for us at the rented big home on Angling Road. We now live in NC. Don is Joe's age.
All the best to you and your family,
Don & Sandy Burns
Robert Whaley
February 13, 2014
Sheila and Family,
Judy and I are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We send our most sincere condolences. I have fond memories of my rehearsals with Joe and our evenings after rehearsals of the KSO sharing ice cream at the Howard Johnson's restaurant.
Joe was a wonderful colleague with whom I shared many an enjoyable conversation about music, life, and families. He certainly will be missed. Judy and I hope that the family has many fond memories that help to mitigate your sorrow.
With best wishes,
Bob and Judy Whaley
Carl Doubleday
February 12, 2014
Joe was always kind to me, Sheila, and most gracious about teaching summer after summer at SEMINAR. He always smiled when we talked about him being a TUBA player in the first Eastman Wind Ensemble. Blessings and Peace to you.
Nancy Trotter
February 11, 2014
Dear Sheila, I just saw this tonight, and I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of all the Trotter family. May God bless you during this very difficult time.
February 11, 2014
Dear Mrs. Work, I am so sorry--I very much enjoyed getting to know Joe during our weeks together at Interlochen. Love, Anne Sherfield
Nola Matthews Thole
February 11, 2014
Sheila,
Joe was my string class professor and chamber music coach as well as my colleague in Kalamazoo Symphony. I appreciate his sincere dedication to his students and long years of service. I am thinking of you and Tim. Hoping you find comfort and hope in the love of your many friends and family.
Silvia Roederer
February 11, 2014
Joe was a kind and warm musician with whom to collaborate and a wonderfully supportive colleague at WMU. My sincere condolences to the family.
February 11, 2014
Dear Sheila,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Susan and I will think of you and please let us know if you need anything.
Bruce and Susan Uchimura
Joan Honeysett
February 11, 2014
Dear Sheila, My condolences on the loss of your husband, Joe. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Dale Working
February 11, 2014
I have fond memories of Dr. Work from my freshman string class at Western Michigan University in 1966-67. he was a great teacher. My condolences to his family.
Mick McLaughlin
February 11, 2014
Joe was a very talented and kind man.The Kalamazoo music community has lost a great one.I 'm glad Joe got to know his grandson and have the beautiful instrument that Joe hand made for him.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Work's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Work
Funeral services provided by:
Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society - Schoolcraft129 S Grand St P.O. Box 417, Schoolcraft, MI 49087
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Work's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more