Elmer E "Joe" Cole, age 77 of Stanwood, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 surrounded by his family at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born June 26, 1939 in Morton Township, the son of Ernest and Kitty Mae (Norman) Cole. Joe graduated from Mecosta High School in 1957. He married Illa Johnson on July 11, 1959 in Austin Township and together they made their home in Stanwood. Joe was employed by Tubelite in Reed City where he retired. He was a union representative for the UAW. Joe enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, trapping, and camping. Later in life, he also liked to spend time at the casino. Joe loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He will be missed. Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Illa of Stanwood; three children, Linda Stewart of Stanwood, Michael (Rose) of Columbus, Ohio, Joseph (Francine) of Howard City, and a close family friend Alen (Sherrie) Oberlin; three grandchildren, Brittany (Jeff) Staal, Ryan (Blake) Cole, and Joseph (Bridget) Cole; one great-granddaughter on the way; three sisters, Rosemary Randall, Connie (Tim) Tryon, and Betty (Keith) Norman; one brother, David Cole; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Edward Cole. A memorial service will take place 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service, from 1pm-2pm, Friday at the funeral home. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking our guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Service Friday, March 17, 2017 02:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307