Obituary of Joseph Kenneth Bastien
Joseph Kenneth Bastien was born on November 4, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan. He was one of four sons born from the union of Joseph Oliver Bastien and Mary (Gniewek) Bastien. He was raised in Allen Park and attended Elementary school at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School in Melvindale. He graduated from Melvindale High School with the class of 1961.
Joseph married Mary Ann Gush and from this marriage, two children were born. He was initially employed at Butler Auto Supply before he took a position at the Ford Motor Company truck plant in Wayne. He remained in this capacity for thirty-five years before retiring in 2000.
Later in life, he met the former Susan Digue. They tied the knot in Las Vegas on November 30, 1991. Together, the happy couple formed a blended family with four children. They later renewed their vows at their home parish of Christ the Good Shepherd in Lincoln Park. Joseph's generous spirit was reflected in his volunteer work as a fourth-degree member of the Robert H Jones, Knights of Columbus. He was known for his kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
After moving to Newport, he fed his spiritual appetite by attending weekly Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where he was a member. Joseph found joy in casting a line locally in Lake Erie at Bolles Harbor or in the thumb area of Caseville, Michigan. His love for bowling was truly unparalleled as he participated in many leagues in his younger years. Casinos were also a significant source of enjoyment for Joseph, especially his trips to Las Vegas with his beloved wife Susan.
His dedication to his favorite sports teams was unwavering, as he was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions football team, the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, the Detroit Tigers baseball team, and the Michigan Wolverines football team. His commitment extended beyond professional teams, as he rarely missed his grandchildren's sporting events. He showed persistent support in all their endeavors whether it was gymnastics meet, or a T-Ball game, a football game, basketball game, or a BMX bike race.
Joseph Kenneth Bastien, age 81, of Newport, passed away at 1:25pm on Saturday; February 17, 2024, surrounded by his family, at FountainView of Monroe. Susan's unwavering care for Joseph during his illness is a testament to their deep bond. The family extends special thanks to the staff at Fountain View of Monroe and to Beacon Hospice for their devoted care of Joseph. His passing was preceded by his parents; two brothers: Gerald and Gregory and one great grandson: Kayden Silcox.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife: Susan: two children: Joseph Stanley (Lisa) Bastien of Milton, Florida and Katherine (Jim) Carnes of Gainesville, Florida; two stepchildren: Lawrence Digue Jr. of Monroe and Sheila (David) Oley of Monroe; a brother Roger (Karen) Bastien of Riverview; seven grandchildren: Brittney, Morgan, Lindsay, Meagan, Summer, Stone, and Lawrence III; three great grandchildren: Willow, Jayla, DAngelo, and one due in a few weeks; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; February 20, 2024, with the Lincoln Park Knights of Columbus reciting the Rosary at 7:00pm, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Newport on Wednesday; February 21, 2024, from 9:30am until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30am. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery in Newport.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.