Today it is the shades of grey that determine the day on the Grand Traverse Bay. Joseph Leo Panyard Sr. passed away March 1, 2019.

Joe is survived by his wife, Deidre Ann Jones Panyard; daughters, Tinamarie (Eric Probst) Panyard and Penelope (Scott Maleski); son, Joseph Leo Jr. (Diana Panyard); grandchildren, Kristopher Alspaugh, Kayla Panyard, Keegan Maleski, Logan Maleski and Lottie Probst; and great-grandchildren, Tristyn Alspaugh, Hayden Hartzler and Hartleigh Elifritz.

Awaiting him in heaven to go fishing and have a picnic in the dunes are his parents, George and Lolita Panyard; brothers, George and Francis; sister, Harriet Herr; grandson, Kyle Alspaugh; and the many friends he's loved who have gone to heaven before him over the years.

He journeyed through life to the beat of his own drum while talking on his ham radio. He was an adventurous young man, hitchhiking to Seattle to see the World's Fair and joining the U.S. Navy to proudly serve his country.

He married his sweetheart; they built a home for their young family with their very own hands. Together they raised their three children with fierce passion.

He was a dedicated son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Joe loved sailing, cross country skiing, swimming, picnics on the beach and taking adventures with the love of his life, Dee. His greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was known to his neighbors as Hello Joe and Mr. Joe, the fun neighbor who always had a smile a conversation, a cookie, a beer or a cigar, depending on your age and preference. These past years you could find Joe sitting at the fire pit in his backyard chatting with friends, talking on his ham radio or working in his picture framing shop. For many years K8DT would welcome the morning on his ham radio to all of his friends, "It's a great day today on the Grand Traverse Bay."

Today it is with tears in our eyes, love in our hearts and memories we share that determine our way as we say goodbye to Joseph Leo Panyard. This summer the Panyard family will host a celebration of his life fish fry on the weekend of his favorite holiday, Fourth of July.

For anyone who would like to send a memorial, Joe loved the amazing parks and lakes of his home state, Michigan. His favorite organizations were Inland Seas at https://schoolship.org/ and Herman Community Park in Suttons Bay at http://www.suttonsbayparks.org/herman_community_park.php/.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Joe's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Joseph L. Panyard Sr.

March 1, 2019

Joseph L. Panyard Sr.

March 1, 2019

Joseph L. Panyard Sr. Obituary

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