Harold Joy Obituary
Harold will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a later date.
Harold worked at the Livingston County Press and then moved on to work at General Motors, from which he retired. Alongside his work life he became a furniture maker and professional photographer winning awards and showing his work at different galleries. He loved to be outdoors and spent much of his time taking photos, hiking, biking and kayaking.
Harold married Sally Shimpke on February 14, 1981 in Ann Arbor. She preceded him in death after nearly 30 years of marriage.
Surviving Harold are his 4 daughters, Kathleen (Bob Fielder) Joy of Fairfax, CA, twins Deborah (Kevin) Blocker of Oswego, IL and Elizabeth (Mark) Scally of Carbondale, IL, and Victoria (Kurt) Roberts of Spring, TX. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Shari Montino and to the staff at River Ridge Retirement in South Haven where Harold spent his last year laughing and being well cared for.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sally, and his sister, Loretta Banghart.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in South Haven, 269-637-0333
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen
September 1, 2025
Harry and Sally were our next-door neighbors after we arrived in Ann Arbor from Cambridge, MA in 1987 and we eventually became best friends. Harry shared with my husband Steen Christensen (from Denmark) a love of woodworking and photography. We all also took a liking to wine, especially Chianti, and traveled together to Tuscany and Umbria in search of classic architecture, good food, and fine wine. Ann Arbor will never be the same for me without Harry and Sally. Sadly, Steen preceded us all already in 2014. But no doubt the three are having a great reunion in the realm of everlasting peace and joy.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Paula Alexander
March 10, 2025
Oh Harry! I just realized I hadn´t heard from you since I visited you in your apartment.
Harry graduated from Owosso High with my late husband Bob Allen. Bob said he was a mean little blankety blank on the football field. I loved his sense of humor and his practical jokes.
90 years might be considered a long life, but it wasn´t long enough.
My sympathies go out to his girls.
Chuck Dunlop
January 19, 2025
Harry and Sally were Ann Arbor neighbors, who eventually became good friends. Harry was a man of many talents, including photography and woodworking. He built us a beautiful coffee table, and turned the cutaway pieces into a lazy Susan, which he happily presented to us later. He helped me out with various household projects. Most notably, he was a loyal and attentive husband to Sally, especially during her extended health issues.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
1076 S Bailey Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
Make a Donation
in Harold Joy's name
People and places connected with Harold
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Harold's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Harold Joy'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
