Joseph McFarland

March 20, 1928 - November 27, 2018
Traverse City, MI

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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Joseph W. McFarland, age 90 a long standing resident of Traverse City, died peacefully at home November 27, 2018.

Joseph was born on March 20, 1928 in Valparaiso, IN to David Eugene and Alice Pauline (nee Rader) McFarland.

Joseph served in the US Navy. He married Emaly J. Kleis on September 5, 1953 in Traverse City at Trinity Lutheran Church and they had two children, Clara and Deborah.

He was a member of the League of Silent Flight; flying remote control planes, and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Joseph was also a member of the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Jazz Quintet and was a bass player with numerous Symphonies, Big Bands and Jazz Combos.

He enjoyed music, fly fishing, gardening, building soaring gliders, woodworking crafts, rabbit hunting and spending time with his family and friends.

Joseph is survived by his loving partner, Dolly Steed; daughters, Clara Jane (Thomas F.) Piecuch and Deborah Ann (James F.) Wojtysiak; sisters, Ruth Hilsmier, Audrey Demetre and Mary Johnson; grandchildren, Melissa Kavicky, Justin Wojtysiak, Joseph Wojtysiak, Emaly Piecuch and Tony Piecuch; great grandchildren, Summer and Jayce Kavicky and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Emaly J. (nee Kleis) McFarland. Burial will be with his wife in Bingham Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.