Celebrating a Life of Adventure, Stewardship, and Service

Joseph B. Petty, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Newaygo, Michigan, at the age of 81. Born on April 12, 1944, in Evanston, Illinois, Joe's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with adventure, service, travels, and exploration.

A Life Well-Lived

Joe spent his formative years in Roselle, IL before enlisting in the Air Force in 1968. Following his service, Joe attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL where he earned his bachelor's degree in Zoology and master's degree in Biological Sciences.

After a few years teaching at Detroit Country Day and Forest Hills Central schools, Joe and his wife, Lynda, moved to Saugatuck where they co-founded and operated the Park House Bed and Breakfast for over 20 years. In 2007, the two opened their second Bed & Breakfast, Casa Mirador, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In retirement, Joe and Lynda spent summers on their houseboat at the Newaygo Boat Club, and winters south of Puerto Vallarta in a home they built in Las Juntas y Los Veranos.

Adventurer and Nature Enthusiast

An avid mountaineer and hiker, Joe achieved the remarkable feat of climbing Aconcagua in South America and reaching Everest Base Camp One (EBC1) twice. Closer to home, Joe enjoyed hiking in the Rocky Mountains and exploring the trails in Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

Joe's stewardship of nature extended beyond recreation. All creatures, in all forms, were valuable in Joe's eyes. Bugs and spiders were always rehomed back into nature, and invasive species like garlic mustard were tirelessly pulled from the landscaping and roadsides. Sunsets, fall colors, flowers, tree burls… his phone was filled with his captures of nature and prove as a testament to his deep respect for all living things.

Family and Legacy

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lynda (Larson) Petty; daughters Heather Petty-Weston of Denver, CO, Tisha Petty of Carbondale, IL, and Jody Bolhuis (Ryan Lark) of Saugatuck, MI; grandsons Dorian and Odin Weston, Zachary and Jared Bolhuis; and great-grandson Jettson Bolhuis. Joe also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and his most cherished dependent – his dog, Peanut.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph N. and Phyllis (Kreischer) Petty; his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Patrick Mooney; and his brother, Anthony Vecchione.

Remembering Joe

Joe made numerous friends through his travels around the world. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the beauty of the places he cherished most.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a conservation organization of your choice, honoring Joe's lifelong commitment to the natural world.

"The mountains have called, and Joe has answered. May we all find the courage to follow our own adventures and relish in the beauties of the world as he did."