Joel P. Hoitenga

Joel P. Hoitenga, born October 3, 1946, in Cadillac, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 24, 2025.

Joel was gentle and thoughtful, speaking with intention, rather than volume. He possessed a kind heart and a sincere desire to help others succeed.

Joel earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. More importantly, while at MSU, he met a fellow student, Patricia. They were instantly smitten. After graduation, they married, and in August 2025, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

A patient teacher by nature, Joel began his career as an educator in Flint and Kearsley School Districts. Former students would often stop to chat with him when seeing him around town; he always took the time to hear about their lives. Furthering his dedication to education, Joel went on to earn a Master of Science degree in computer science and started his decades-long career at Baker College: first as Dean of Computer Science and finally retiring as Vice President of Information Systems. His colleagues remember him as dedicated, witty, and approachable. Beyond his work at Baker College, Joel was instrumental in assisting other colleges with the accreditation of their academic programs, generously sharing his expertise to strengthen educational communities.

Joel’s faith was central to his life, and he lived out his beliefs through his kindness, integrity, and patience. He found joy in simple pleasures: a good (bad) pun, a Diet Coke, a game of bridge, some good trivia, and Dutch apple pie and ice cream. In later years, he and his beloved wife Patricia shared a love of travel, creating cherished memories together.

Above all else, Joel was a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; daughters Michelle (Richard) Colella, Katie Hoitenga, and Amy (Arend) Henderson; grandchildren Joseph, William, and Olivia Colella, Harper Hoitenga, and Declan and Oliver Henderson; his brother, James (Waunetta) Hoitenga; and many other family members and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with a church visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Joel’s honor.

Joel will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and the countless lives he touched through education, kindness, and love.