Joe McFadden

M. "Joe" McFadden, 92, of Marshall, Michigan passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born on December 11, 1931 to Ralph and Mignon (Willrich) McFadden in Tekonsha Township, Michigan. 

Beginning his education at Aurand country school, which consolidated with Tekonsha School System, he then attended Windfall country school, French country school and finishing the 7th - 12 th grades at Tekonsha High School, graduating in 1950. During school he played baseball (catcher) and football (center and captain) and was voted Homecoming King his senior year. Joe also spent 10 years in 4-H showing sheep at the Calhoun Co. Fair, Michigan State Livestock Show and at the Ionia Livestock Show.

 In April 1951 he entered the United States Air Force with Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, transferring to Frances E. Warren Air Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In October of 1951 he was hardship discharged to work on the family farm.

On August 11, 1956 he married Marie Baker in Marshall, Michigan. Shortly after, they purchased their home and 51 acres on 17 Mile Rd. in Tekonsha. Besides farming, he worked as a machinist for Ronan-Kunzl Inc. in Marshall. They sold the farm on 17 Mile Rd. and purchased their current homestead and farm on L Drive S. in Marshall. Joe was a Calhoun County 4-H leader with the Sheep Club for 9 years. He was a member of the Marshall United Methodist Church and the Calhoun County Yesteryears Farm Tractor Club Association. Joe loved to deer and turkey hunt. He learned all the modes of hunting, for example, cross bow and muzzle loading. Early on, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson of which he passed the enjoyment of riding on down to his children, camping, and snowmobiling. Joe was excellent at fabricating, interestingly, making a hover craft lawnmower, and fixing items around the farm and house. He loved to pass his knowledge on down to his family.  He was never afraid to try new ventures on the farm, whether it was putting in irrigation, raising pigs, sheep or silver foxes. In his down time he enjoyed watching old westerns, especially Gunsmoke. Joe will be dearly remembered as a very hard working and devoted family man.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Marie, his sons, Bill (Laura) McFadden of Marshall, Michigan, Rodney (Cindy) McFadden of Marshall, Michigan and Sam McFadden of Tekonsha, Michigan; his grandchildren, Robert McFadden of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Ben (Melissa) McFadden of Battle Creek, Michigan, Ryan McFadden of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Megan McFadden of Marshall, Michigan; his great grandchildren, Noah McFadden, Raegan McFadden and Adalee McFadden. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ralph W. McFadden, James B. McFadden and Walter McFadden.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068 with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home, with Rev. Erin Fitzgerald, officiating. Burial will take place at Lyon Lake Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Calhoun County 4-H or the Marshall United Methodist Church. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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