- Date Of Birth: November 20, 1957
- Date Of Death: August 1, 2011
- State: Michigan
SPORTEL, Joel R. of Kalamazoo Cooper twp. Went to be with his Lord and Savior after battling cancer, on August 1, 2011. He was born November 20, 1957 in Kalamazoo to the late Henry and Henrietta Alphenaar Sportel. Joel was united in marriage to Deia McCormick on October 12, 1985, she survives. Joel loved sports and was an avid golfer, bowler and managed and played recreational softball for many years.
He worked for Kalamazoo College for 36 years and was the grounds and fleet manager at the time of his passing. Joel also attended Northpoint Church where he loved to hear his daughter sing with the worship band. Also surviving Joel are; his daughter, Jori Sportel of Kalamazoo; brother, Jim Roberta Sportel; sisters, Joyce Wilbur Maas and Judy Tim Baker; mother-in-law, Margaret McCormick; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Darla Pilbeam and Randy and Dawn Gauna; and several nieces and nephews.
