Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 4, 2024.
Kenneth G. Joynt of Cadillac died August 30, 2024 at Sunnyside Senior Living facility. He was 94.
Ken was born on September 5, 1929 (Traverse City) to Adelbert and Praxedes "Sadie" (Brzezinski)
Joynt. He was the oldest of five.
Ken graduated from Cadillac High School in 1948. He would later attend Ferris Institute Business School. He also was trained in an engine rebuilding program and Harrison Radiator repair school.
In January 1951, Ken enlisted into military service as an Army Engineer, completing basic training at Ft. Hood. He was then deployed to Germany in support of the Korean conflict as part of the 17th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Division NATO defense forces. He was responsible for building supply line bridges across the Rhine River. Ken was honorably discharged in 1952.
On return to private life, Ken married his high school sweetheart, Lucille "Babe" Bourassa on April 11, 1953 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac.
Ken worked in the family's automotive businesses (AH Joynt Inc. and Cadillac Automotive Warehouse) working many of the locations with his father and brothers. He sold the automotive business around 1990, phased into retirement, and soon ventured into residential contracting, building a few spec homes and one of his own.
Ken loved northwestern Michigan. He was committed to the Cadillac community and was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church; Cadillac Elks Lodge #680; American Legion, and others. Ken served on many local Cadillac organizations -Cadillac Downtown Development Authority (Charter Chairman); Cadillac Economic Council; Cadillac Community Foundation and others. He was member of the Cadillac Country Club for most of his adult life. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and hunting as well as his residential remodeling projects. Like his father, he instilled a solid work ethic.
In 2010, Ken married Elaine Keller and moved to "Keller Farms". Having grown up on a farm in Traverse, Ken enjoyed his time at the farm with Elaine. They liked to spend time with family in the summers and enjoyed some time in Sarasota, Florida in the winter.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille (2008), sisters Margaret (Herschel) Allen and Adele (William) Royce,son Gordon E Joynt (1999).
He is survived by his wife Elaine Keller Joynt; brother Herb (Judy) Joynt, brother Bob (Sue) Joynt; sons, Jeffrey (LoRayne Apo)Joynt of Saginaw; James (Laura Letts) Joynt of Manton; daughter-in-law, Elaine (David Duffy) Photiou Joynt of Grand Blanc; grandchildren, Nicole (Michael) Burton, Andrew (Carrie) Joynt, Jordan (Mattie) Joynt, Sadie Joynt, Adele (Daryl) Wait, Leah (Ben) Kolanowski, Zachary (Tracie) Joynt, Kenneth G Joynt, Jeffrey W Joynt; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Jennika, Josie, Eva, Lila, Everleigh; step-children Corky (Wilbur) Potvin; Shelley (Mark) Wheeler; Paul (Julie) Keller; and step grandkids Russell (Meghan) Keller; Andrew (MaJoya) Keller; Michael (Kayla) Keller; Matt Potvin; Julie Potvin; and several great grandchildren from the Keller side. Ken is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial mass will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Fr. Michael Janowksi as celebrant. Friends may meet the family Monday September 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Ann Catholic Church or the Veterans Endowment Fund through the Cadillac Community Foundation. An online guestbook is available at
www.petersonfh.com.