Joseph Allen Goddard

Joseph Allen Goddard, age 84, of Indian River, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2025, at MediLodge of Cheboygan after a long illness.
Born on August 30, 1941, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Joseph was the beloved son of Naomi (Davis) and William Franklin Lloyd Goddard. He was the middle child of eight siblings, all of whom preceded him in death: sisters Phyllis (Van Wormer) Curtis and Diana Dunbar, and brothers Lloyd Jr., Walter, Philip, Garry, and Claude Goddard.
After moving frequently during his early years, Joe settled in Holland, Michigan, in 1962, where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Jean Tippett. The couple celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage this past February.
Growing up just west of the Motor City, Joe developed a lifelong passion for motors and all things mechanical. He became a licensed auto mechanic, working with employers such as Zephyr Oil and Vincent Oil, before eventually starting his own appliance repair business.
In 1987, Joe moved to Indian River, where he discovered one of his greatest passions: morel hunting each spring. Joe had a true gift for finding morels, with an uncanny knack for locating the perfect spots to gather a bountiful harvest.
Joe will be fondly remembered for his endearing wit and clever sarcasm. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of Indian River; his son Scott (April) Goddard of Montague; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Scott (Amy) Goddard and children Colton and Reagan of Holland, Mallorie (Adam) Kragt and children Delaynee and Alexandria of Holland, Lynsae (Cody) Kammeraad and son Cohen of Hudsonville, Bailey (Harvey Greenbey) Wilson and children Adecyn and Brooklyn of Fennville, Chasta Meeusen and son Tyler of Muskegon, and Shauna Champion of Holland. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Suzie Pavick of Lansing and Barbara Goddard of Ocala, FL, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at the Indian River Baptist Church, 6214 Hemlock St., Indian River, MI 49749. Lunch following.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at MediLodge of Cheboygan for their compassionate care during Joseph's final months. Memorial donations may be made to the Cheboygan County Humane Society, 1536 Hackelburg Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721.
Please share your stories and memories of Joseph at the "Share a Memory" section. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelsons Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. www.CareByNelsons.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store.