Joseph Paavola

Elo

Joseph A. Paavola, formerly from Elo, passed away on April 13, 2023 from Dementia.  Joe was a graduate of John A. Doelle School and Northern Michigan University.  He received his Master’s Degree in Sociology from Wayne State University after serving in the U.S. Army for three years as a Medical Corpsman.

Joe worked at the Traverse City State Hospital for ten years prior to becoming the Mental Health Coordinator for

Benzie County and subsequently assumed the same role for Manistee County.  When asked what he did for a living,

he responded: "I help people with people problems".

After retiring in 1995; he split his time between Traverse City, MI and Englewood, FL.

Joe enjoyed fishing, camping, remodeling homes, and purchasing items at Home Depot.

He is survived by his wife Dona, his children: Greg Paavola (Laura), Tamara Disselkoen (Jeffery), Brian Paavola

 (Jennifer), and five grandsons: Joseph Paavola (Tabitha), Joshua Paavola (Maria), Matthew Paavola, Maxwell

Disselkoen, and Mason Disselkoen.

A graveside military ceremony will occur at the Elo Cemetary at 10:00 a.m. on July 1.

To view this obituary or to send online condolences, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service has been assisting the family with the local arrangements.