Joseph Cipolla

Joseph Cipolla, age 93 of Hesperia, Michigan & formerly of Oak Lawn, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026 at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont, Michigan.  He was born on March 26, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to Phillip & Ann (DiCarlo) Cipolla.  Joe had been employed at the Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois for 36 ½ years until his retirement.  He liked to fly kites on the Texas beach, build remote control boats, and he was an avid fisherman.    

He was preceded by his wife Margaret Marlene Mentz Cipolla on May 15, 2004. On June 12, 2010 he married Helen Walker Griffes and she survives him along with 3 sons:  Donald Cipolla, Howard (Susan) Cipolla, Jeffrey (Terri) Cipolla; many grandchildren & great-grandchildren; 5 step-children:  Todd (Sharon) Griffes, Kirk (Cathy) Griffes, David Griffes, Donald Joe “DJ” (Pam)  DeWispelaere, Hazel Griffes; many step-grandchildren & step-great grandchildren; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law:  Frank “Sonny” (Nancy) Walker, Robert Walker, Carol Jarvis, David (Judith) Walker, Steve Walker, Richard (Devvy) Walker, Sinh Walker, Diane Walker; many nieces & nephews.  He is also survived by the recipient of Dale Griffes liver, Holly Werlein-Gary.

Joe was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Chris Cipolla; step-son, Dale Griffes; 2 brothers, Louis & Phillip Cipolla; brothers-in-law: Roger Mentz, Leo Nape, Larry Zamtuck, Ed Vaughn, Jim Walker, Jerry Walker, Norm Walker, Chuck Walker, Mark Walker, Dennis Walker, Doug Jarvis; sisters-in-law: Helen Mentz, Patricia Nape, Betty Zamtuck, Jean Vaughn, Beth Cipolla, Kathy Walker, Shelby Walker, Theresa Walker, Mickie Walker. 

According to his wishes cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home in Fremont with Richard Walker officiating.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Fremont United Methodist Church.  Interment will be at Beverly Cemetery in Blue Island, Illinois. There will also be a time of visiting with the family from 10-11 AM on Tuesday.  Suggested Memorials: Newaygo County Compassion Home or Transplant House of West Michigan.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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