Joseph Stephen Jehl, Jr., age 74, of Okemos, passed away surrounded by family on March 15, 2026. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Joseph’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

Joseph was born on August 17, 1951 in Port Huron and carried his Michigan roots with pride throughout his life. He earned his undergraduate degree in Pharmacy from Ferris State University and went on to complete his graduate studies at Wayne State University.

Joseph dedicated more than 20 years of his professional life to the veterinary clinic at Michigan State University and he became a devoted Spartan fan after all four of his children followed him there for their undergraduate studies. His work reflected the same steady and dependable nature that defined him as a husband and father.

Above all, Joseph was a devoted family man. He shared 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gail. Their life together centered around their four children and twelve grandchildren. He took immense pride in their activities, especially their involvement in sports and the performance arts. For many years, he also gave his time as a swim meet official, supporting young athletes and the sport of competitive swimming.

He had a passion for photography, and you could often find him with a camera in his hand, capturing everyday moments and special occasions, and being around the people he loved. He preserved memories that his family will cherish for generations.

Joseph also had a deep love for working with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking and tackling projects around the house; he was always tinkering with something to keep him busy and quickly volunteered to help his children tackle projects around their homes. Among his most memorable creations was a wooden train he built in his backyard for his grandchildren. These projects were more than hobbies; they were expressions of his dedication to creating a warm and lasting home for his family.

In his younger years, he enjoyed sailing and participated in the race from Bayview Yacht Club in Port Huron to Mackinac, creating lasting memories on the open water. More recently, he rekindled that passion through his involvement with the Wooden Boat Association. These interests reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Stephen Jehl, Sr. and Virginia (Parker) Jehl of Port Huron. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gail (Thompson) Jehl; his four children Eric and Sarah (Lively) Jehl, their children Lillian, Aedan, and Evelyn; Stacie and Terrence Schulz, their children Alexander, Ashley, and Avery; Sara and Bradley Silverman, their children Riley, Zoey, Noah, and Myka; Steven and Elizabeth (Capy) Jehl, their children Joseph and Anastasia; and his sister & brother-in-law, Mark and Christine McKeehan, their children Molly and Grace. All of whom will carry forward his memory.

Joseph will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud and supportive father, and a steady, kind presence in the lives of all who knew him.