Herbert Joynt

Herbert O. Joynt of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 90 at the Upjohn Care Center. He was born at home on May 26, 1935, in Traverse City, Michigan, as the Blessing of the Cherry Blossom Parade passed by outside their home. Herb is the son of Adelbert “Deb” and Praxedes “Sadie” (Brzezinski) Joynt.

Herb was the youngest of 5 siblings. He attended McKinley No. 7 elementary school where most of his classmates were his brothers and sisters. The family moved to Cadillac, Michigan in 1945, where his father opened A.H. Joynt, Inc., an automotive parts store. Herb attended Cadillac High School and graduated in 1953. He attended Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) in his freshman year. He transferred to Western Michigan College (WMU) where in 1957, he graduated with a BA in Business Administration. He then joined A.H. Joynt, Inc. full-time. He worked in the family’s automotive businesses (A.H. Joynt Inc. and Cadillac Automotive Warehouse) working at many of the locations with his father and brothers.

On August 20, 1960, he married Judith Weisgerber in a double ceremony with her sister Miriam who married David Hughes. The ceremony took place in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Hillsdale, MI. Herb and Judy lived in Cadillac and in 1969 they built their dream house on Lake Cadillac where they raised their family. They were blessed with four children: Mary, Margo, Todd and Kurtis.

In 1990, Herb left Cadillac and moved to Portage, MI where he and Judy opened the Ben Franklin Craft Store on South Westnedge. They later opened a second store in Norton Shores, MI. In 2002, they closed both locations and retired.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Deb and Sadie and his four siblings: Kenneth, Robert, Margaret and Adele. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy; his children: Mary (Nathan) Craft, Margo (Shawn Eneix) Sommer, Todd (Deidre) Joynt and Kurtis (Maggie Bixler) Joynt. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren: Katherine Craft, Anna (Zachary Barton) Craft, Tyler Sommer, Brian Sommer, Hagen Joynt and soon to be two step-grandchildren: Spencer Bixler and Brianna Bixler.

Herb was a lifelong member of Cadillac Elks Lodge 680 and a long-time member of the Cadillac Country Club, where he enjoyed many years of golf with his family and friends. He also served as a member of the Caberfae ski patrol, where he enjoyed many years of helping others and teaching his family to ski. In retirement, he volunteered at the Shephard Center as a driver. He also volunteered as a offering counter at St. Catherine of Siena.

He loved U of M football and attended many games. He made sure that his children all attended at least one game at the “Big House”. Herb was an active supporter of all of his children’s activities, where he worked tirelessly raising money, working at games, being a team driver / head cheerleader and loyal “bleacher sitter”.

Herb will be best remembered for his kindness and patience. It was not unusual for him to stop what he was doing to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial mass will be held at St Ambrose Catholic Church; 1628 E. G Ave, Parchment, MI 49004 on December 16, 2025.  The Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or Memory Care Learning Center at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo; 300 Golden Dr. Kalamazoo MI 49001.

While visiting Herb’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane in Portage, MI 49002, (269 344-5600).