Joseph "Joe" F. Southwick Jr.

Cadillac - Joseph Francis Southwick Jr, 61, of Cadillac, MI, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 13, 2025, in his home.

Joe was born July 7,1963, in Cadillac, MI, the son of Joseph Southwick Sr. and Carol (Ball) Southwick.  He married Kathi Elaine (Bednarick) Southwick on February 7, 2007. After a 17 year courtship, they finally tied the knot and were happily married for another 18 years. They've enjoyed watching their grandchildren, Gracie Rose-Nicole, Isabella Lainey-Jo, and Andrew Richie grow and flourish, and Joe was a cornerstone in their lives and their upbringing.

Joe was employed by RexAir for over 20 years until his retirement.  In life, Joe enjoyed fishing and gardening, and was an avid and loyal NASCAR fan. In his later years, when he became a Papa, he enjoyed making homemade wind chimes, painting rocks, and was known to let his grandchildren dye his beard purple, and wore it proudly.

Remaining to cherish Joe's memory are his wife, Kathi Southwick; daughter, and partner in crime, Amber (Adam) Harris; stepsons, Richard (Giovanna) Hendricksen and Justin (Alexandria) Eckelbecker; his grandchildren, Gracie, Isabella, Andrew Richie, Adam Kevin, Aaden, Asher, Tatiana, Karmaria, Ellington, Dartanian, Nastazcia, Mirabella, Zahraabia, Lana, and Nova; brother, Christopher Southwick; brother-in-law, Kevin Bednarick; nieces, Shannon, Melissa, Emily and Abigail; and nephews, Nicholas, Matthew, Mikey, Lester and Joey; and several great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as his faithful pup, Axel.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents, Joseph Southwick Sr. and Carol (Ball) Southwick; his sisters, Michelle Eneix, Robin Smith, and Tamara Gingrich; niece, Christina Eneix; and life long friend, Donald "Pete" Wingard.

Burial and funeral arrangements are being handled by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held privately in late August.  Memorial donations in Joe's memory may be directed to the family in care of Kathi.   Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com    The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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