Joel R. Sportel

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. Family will greet friends on Monday, August 8th from 10am-12pm at Centerpoint Church where services will follow at 12:00 o'clock. There will also be a post visitation following the service, from 1-3pm. A private interment will take place at W. Cooper Cemetery. Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Memorials may be directed to the Jori Sportel memorial Scholarship Fund.