Joe Steiner Bixel

Joe Steiner Bixel was born on February 26, 1923 in Bluffton Ohio. His parents moved the family to Northern Michigan in 1934. In 1944 Joe joined the US Navy and during WWII was stationed for 20
months in the South Pacific as Seaman First Class on the lST 375. Joe Bixel and Elsie Bugg were married in 1951 spending 62 years together. Joe cut timber and operated a saw mill for many years. He was a
beekeeper and his gardens were spectacular. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labors. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman. Joe pastored the loud Township Community Church for 30 years. He
never missed an opportunity to witness or to lead someone to Christ. Joe has an ancestry of Godly men with 2 great-grandfathers and 4 great-great-grandfathers who were Pastors in the Mennonite Church. Joe's testimony was that of serving his lord whenever he could. On May 14, 2014 Joe Bixel left this earthly life and joined his Heavenly Father in walking the Heavenly streets of gold.
He is survived by his wife Elsie, two sons - Howard Joe Bixel and Joel Theodore Bixel and two
daughters - Barbara Jo Smith and Kathy Jo Halleck. Joe also leaves behind
11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Visitation, Friday 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. at the Lashley Funeral Home, Mio and Saturday 1:00 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. at The Comins Mennonite Church, with Pastor Kevin Salsbury officiating. Interment at Loud Township Cemetery, Atlanta.
Memorials may be made to: David Jeremiah, Turning Point Ministries, P.O. Box 3838, San Diego, CA 92163.
Arrangement by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.

Visitation, Friday 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. at the Lashley Funeral Home, Mio and Saturday, May 17, 2014, from 1:00 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. at The Comins Mennonite Church, with Pastor Kevin Salsbury officiating. Interment at Loud Township Cemetery, Atlanta.