Joelle Sue Vietzke, age 39, of 6 Park Avenue, Gladstone, MI died unexpectedly Tuesday evening August 2, 2005 of an apparent heart attack at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. Joelle was born May 18, 1966 in Escanaba the daughter of Henry and Vera (Holmlund) Vietzke Sr. She was raised in Rapid River and she was a 1984 graduate of Rapid River High School where she was a member of the band. Following graduation she continued her studies at Bay De Noc Community College where she received her Associates Degree. She also attended Lee Bible College in Tennessee where she reaffirmed her deep faith.
Joelle worked for the family business, the Dew Drop Inn, for 28 years and for the past 3 months at Wells Fargo Bank in Escanaba where she really enjoyed the people she worked with and their customers. Joelle was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and was involved with many community and school activities in Gladstone. Her hobbies included watching movies, playing cards and games, and especially spending time with her daughter Hayley and Hayley
Anonymous
To The Vietzke Family:
It has been more than a week since Joelle passed away, and every day I go to work and still think of her down on the other end of the teller line making fish faces at me and smiling. I can truly say that in the short 4 months that I knew Joelle, it was not nearly long enough.
Joelle will always be missed.
Sally Niquette
Escanaba, MI
I am so sorry to hear of Joelle’s passing. She was indeed a beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will always be remembered for her kindness, and love. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle L. (Matter) Casey
Millersburg, PA
We will always remember Joelle for her optimistic outlook on life. There isn’t a time when Joelle wasn’t happy and smiling. She brought joy to everyone she came in contact with. We will always remember you Puddin’ Pie.
Jeff Slagstad and Sarah Johnson
Gladstone, MI
Dear Vietzke family,
My sympathy goes out to you, I am also grieving for the loss of my co-worker and good friend. May God be with you.
Lana Boudreau
Perronville, MI
To the entire Vietzke family and Miss Haley: The world has truly lost a kind, loving and generous person by losing Joelle. I grew up with the Vietzke’s across the field and played with them for many years. Whenever I would see Joelle, whether days had passed or years, she would always hug me and say Hello Becki Sue….and start talking about our childhood shenanigans. I have never seen her down in her 39 years. She always had a contagious way of spreading sunshine and a smile whenever she walked into a room. May you all find contentment and peace within your beautiful family and know that Hank, Tina and Joelle are all watching over all of you now.
With love and my greatest sympathy….Becki (Roberts) Hess
Gladstone, MI
I have known the family, having grown up in Rapid River . I am sorry for your loss, Praise God for her faith and the knowledge that she abides in His Love at the feet of Jesus
Betty Petonquot-LeMarble
Sheridan, MI
For Alison Furton:
My thoughts are with you. Please tell your mom and Cara my thoughts are with them also. I know it has been years since I have seen you all last. It was a shock to hear this… my prayers are with you all.
Distant Cousin: Tracy L. Porath-Lund
Ortonville, MI
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen Joelle and I was shocked and saddened by her death. Joelle was a good friend of mine for several years. Upon first meeting her when I began working as a cook at The Dew Drop Inn, I was amazed at how effortlessly she seemed to do many things at once maintaining a brilliant, sharp sense of humor the entire time. She had a gift of uplifting those around her and making them feel important for who they are. As a friend, as many people have stated, she was incredibly generous with her heart. Joelle listened, encouraged and comforted whenever a friend of hers was down…and she had many friends. Her heart exuded a charisma of kindness, caring and generosity that pulled many people into her life. Anyone who at any time who had the honor of calling Joelle a friend knows the loss is enormous. Joelle is the type of person you believed would be shining on everyone around her forever. And she will be, because she gave a piece of herself to everyone she loved, yet there is grief mingled with the joyous memories I’ll always cherish and sorrow for her family and all the people who never had the opportunity to meet Joelle.
Gina Salmi
Grand Rapids, MI
Vera & Family,
My heart truly goes out to all of you during this time of sorrow. Even though I am not able to be with you during this time, I will have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I have known the Vietzke family for many years. It was a great joy working with all of you. You are a wonderful family that is full of love and kindness. Joelle was a very special person. She has touched the lives of so many people in so many wonderful ways. What a remarkable woman! One thing is for sure you always knew when you would see Joelle, she was happy, smiling and giving hugs! She will be missed tremendously! God bless all of you during your time of sorrow.
Sue (Willis) Lawrick
Olive Branch, MS
To The Vietzke Family:
At a time such as this, there seems to be little comfort to offer. Please know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. May you find solace in the support of family and friends.
Christine Zellmer
Lansing, MI
The first time I met Joelle, I was about 7 years old and she live across the street from my grandparents motel in Rapid River. She brought me an Easter Bunny keychain. I will never forget that about her. She was always giving to others and looking out for those she cared about. When I was a teenager, she hired me to work at the Dew Drop Inn, and we had the best times together. She taught me alot about getting along with other people and was always there to straighten me up when I got out of line or cheer me up when I was down. I have never had the opportunity to meet her daughter, but she is very blessed to have had Joelle as a mother. My prayers are with you baby. I know that you will miss her very much.
Bobbie Jo O’Malley (Lownsbery)
Valley, AL
Dear Vietzke family-
I am a friend and coworker of Sonya’s. I just wanted to express my deep sympathy to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you back in Haslett.
Anne McCarthy
Haslett, MI
You know, where does a person start with writing this? I’ve known Joelle, Mr. and Mrs. Vietzke, some of her siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins for many years. I remember going to pick up Heidi Setter at the Dew Drop after work when we were in high school even. 🙂 I’ve always been very fond of all of you. You’re such good people. I know Joelle will always have a place in my heart. She truly was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She treated my daughter, Paula, and me with such sweetness and generosity. I remember last fall when she had Neena over to her house and she had to have Paula over to play, too. And then of course, the time when we came back from Rochester Hills last year from All Stars and she treated Paula, my husband, and I to breakfast that Sunday because an “All Star” was sitting at the table. You know, Henry, when I was at your mom’s tonight, you couldn’t have said it in a better way, my friend, about Joelle giving her heart to everyone else. I really am going to miss her. Her heart surely touched ours. I cry again when I write this, both because I’ll miss her, but also because I have had the honor of being in even just a small part of her life. May God bless and take care of you all.
In Friendship and Prayers,
Julie (Majestic) Brunette
Gladstone, MI
I had the pleasure of knowing Joelle while working with her at the Dew Drop Inn, and upon first meeting her I knew there wasn’t a cloud she couldn’t push to let the sun shine on your day!She will be greatly missed,but proudly celebrated in our memories.
Christopher Hess
Escanaba, MI
I was fortunate to meet Joelle along with the rest of the Vietzke family last fall. Her kindness and generosity made me feel like one of the family. My thoughts are with Vietzkes during this difficult time.
Jennifer Buckler
Lansing, MI
Although we didn’t have a lot of time with Joelle, she was a great member of our team and brought laughter and smiles with her to work each day. We are thankful to have known her and called her friend. You will be missed by all your team mates.
Jeanne Frost
Escanaba, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. She is in heaven now, resting in peace.
Pam Reddick and Family (Lippold)
Little Suamico, WI
I guess, as they say, only the good die young …., Joelle, was the most caring, loving, comical, person, I’ve known her since she was a little girl, when I worked at the Dew Drop Inn, Vera,(MOM), used to bring in her little girls, Joelle caught my heart then. Over the years I watched her grow up and become a MOM!!! I will always remember her cheerfull and caring personality. My deepest sympathys go to all of the family cuz you are all great people!!!! With Love, MIA
Mia (Waeghe) Maki
Gladstone, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope to make it up for the services. I’ll forever remember Joelle as a phenomanal friend and mother.
Scott Morrison
Cincinnati, OH
You came into my life and I LOVED you as I would a daughter. You will always be in my heart. God called you home to be one of HIS ANGELS. You will always be an angel to me.
Danie & Joyce Duncan
Escanaba, MI
Dear Vera and family,
We are so saddened by Joelle’s sudden death. We cannot begin to tell you how sad we are. Your precious daughter was a special person to all she came in contact with. She had the biggest heart and you just can’t understand why her own heart didn’t understand the love she gave to others. A smile, a laugh and a little wink or two and then a big hug when you really needed it. Joelle will always be remembered as a very outgoing and caring individual. She will not be forgotten. Our love goes to you, Vera, and to Joelloe’s Haley and to your entire family. We really don’t know what to say, but that you are thought of in this time of sorrow.
Judy and Rick
Gladstone, MI
I am a friend of Joelle’s and I am sorry to hear about her death. I want to send my best to her family and friends. I will not be able to make the wake because I have a wedding to go to that day. But my prayers will be with her family. Especially to her daughter. Joelle was a great Mom and we could
of all learned from her. I hope her daughter will be
okay. Take care and my prayers are with you.
Debbie Kennedy
Gladstone, MI
We are saddened by the sudden loss of Joelle. Joelle always had a wonderful smile for everyone she met. My 18 year old still called her the ice cream lady! Whenever may family ate at the Dew Drop, Joelle always brought her into the kitchen to make her own sundae. Joelle was a wonderful person, she will be remembered fondly by all. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Vietzke family.
Paul and Renee Lundberg
Rapid River, MI
I am so sorry for your loss, Joelle was always a good friend and listener for me after my husband died. I remember her with fond memories, her daughter was born on my daughters birthday….we are many years apart in age but that never mattered. Joelle had a good and caring heart and I will always remember her.
Yvonne DeLarye
Delavan, WI
Dear Donna, Henry, Vera and the rest of the Vietzke family,
Just want to let you know that we love you all and will keep you in our prayers. We didn’t know Joelle that well but after reading what everyone else shared we know she was pretty special to MANY people, especially her family. Heaven is a wonderful place and Joelle is enjoying it right now. She is reaping the reward of her “kind and compassionate” life. The comfort is, is that you will see her again in that wonderful place. But in the meantime, May GOD BLESS YOU WITH A PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!!!
Hugs, love, and prayers,
Susan, Eric, and kids
Grand Rapids, MI
The first day Joelle came to work at the bank, it was clear in a short time that we had been introduced not just to a new co-worker, but to a new friend. Her conversations of family and life were filled with love and laughter and Hayley, the center of her world. Working with her was a pleasure, she was always so helpful, caring and of course, smiling. We sure will miss her calling out “Hey Cutie, let me help you over here!”. What a wonderful “ray of sunshine”!!
Barb Kell
Hermansville, MI
Mrs. Vietzke, Sonya and family:
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I only saw Joelle again, for the first time in years, at the bank about a month ago. She remembered me as if it had only been yesterday since she had seen me. I hear of her and her daughter ofter from her friend Fay and know she will truly be missed. My heart and prayers go out to the family. I am sorry I will not be able to make the services for her but she will always be remembered.
Mary P. Taylor (Mary Pat Szczygiel)
Rapid River, MI
Dear Family,
I’d like to express my sympathy and sadness at the passing of Joelle. She was kind, compassionate,and a happy person. She always made me feel special when I went into the restaurant. I will never forget Joelle’s kindness to the people with developmental disabilities that I brought into the restaurant on the last Saturday of the month for over 10 years.
My sympathy and love to Joelle’s family!
Dorothy J Kollmann
Rapid River, MI