Joseph Patrick Herdus

Herdus, Mr. Joseph Kalamazoo, Michigan Joe passed suddenly on June 19, 2020 at Bronson Hospital with his loving wife by his side. Joe was born in Jackson, Michigan on March 19, 1946 the son of Joseph and Mary (Mierzwa) Herdus. After graduating from Michigan State University, Joe had a fulfilling 35 year career at Consumers Energy. He came out of retirement five years ago to work part-time as a patient sitter at Bronson Hospital where he was able to share his gift for helping others. Joe had a great love for his family and always encouraged his daughters to go after their dreams. He found great enjoyment in traveling and seeing the world. His wife and he went on many trips and cruises making friends all over the world. Joe was a real people person and active in the community helping others. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, V.F.W. Post 921, a 3rd Degree of the Knights of Columbus, and a former member of the Rotary Club. He loved spending time Up-North at the cottage on Paradise Lake, golfing, and fishing especially after the lawn work was done. Joe was a sports enthusiast, especially of Michigan State University and Western Michigan University athletics. He was an avid supporter of WMU Women’s Basketball and over the years most players knew him by name. He will be very much missed by his family and the many people whose lives he has touched in so many ways. He was preceded in death by his brother James Herdus. Joe is survived by his wife, Patty (Tribble) whom he was happily and faithfully married to for 51 years, daughters Kelly (Bobby) Atchison of Metairie, LA and Dayna (Rody) Valpey of Traverse City, MI, three special grandchildren Alessondra, Gabrielle and Nicholas, sister Patricia Dubinski of Jackson, MI and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a private service is scheduled for a later date. An open house celebration of Joe’s life is planned for Sunday, July 12, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Weatherstone Community Clubhouse located at 5210 Marsh Arbor Trail, Kalamazoo, MI 49004. MSU and WMU attire is encouraged as are masks and social distancing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WMU Women’s Basketball; Checks can be made out to WMU Women’s Basketball with “In Memory of Joe Herdus” in the memo field and mailed to: WMU Advancement Office, Heritage Hall, 1903 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Online gifts can be made using this link: https://secure.wmualumni.org/athletics/s/give. Under “Make a Sport Specific Gift” using the drop down select Gary Fund for Women’s Basketball. On the following screen under Gift Designation Options select “This is a tribute gift” and fill in Joe Herdus and follow remaining prompts.