ISHPEMING, MI – Joseph T. Houseman, age 91, of Ishpeming, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Joseph was born December 6, 1934, in National Mine to Theodore and Elizabeth (Hill) Houseman. He spent his childhood there before moving to Green Creek in the early 1950s, where his parents built their family home. An outdoorsman from the start, Joseph enjoyed hunting, fishing Bryan Creek, and spending as much time outside as possible. He graduated from National Mine School with the class of 1953.

After graduation, Joseph joined the Army National Guard and began what would become a 46-year career at Robbins Flooring Mill in Ishpeming. Known as a true jack of all trades, he worked throughout the mill, specializing in maintenance, and never met a project he wouldn’t attempt. Joe also served as the Union president for many years. He retired in 2000, leaving behind a reputation for his hard work.

Joseph met the love of his life, Lena Walker, while shoveling manure at Leonard’s barn—proof that the best things in life don’t always come with clean shoes. It wasn’t a glamorous moment, but somehow it was perfect. He found his companion who would walk beside him through life and love him unconditionally. They married in June 1956 at his parents’ home and made their own home on County Road 581, where they raised six children and built their life together.

Family was important to Joseph. His children remember time spent in the large family garden, blueberry picking trips, learning to can and make jam, and plenty of helpings of broasted chicken and homemade fries. Sundays often meant pizza at the Venice, burgers at Silver Lake, ice cream at the Jiffy Freeze (each child choosing their own flavor), or family trips to Bonanza and A&W. Smelt cleaning was a shared responsibility—whether you wanted it or not.

Joseph enjoyed visiting his children, deer hunting in Alston, and telling fishing stories as a proud “fair-weather fisherman.” The family could always count on him to show up with fresh cranberries each year. Known for his willingness to help, Joseph could fix nearly anything and generously lent his skills to family, friends, and neighbors. He also devoted many years to caring for his parents during his father’s health struggles.

Joseph will be remembered as determined, strong-willed, a bit stubborn—but deeply devoted to the people he loved.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Lena: his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth Houseman; his brother, Frank (Florence) Houseman; and a sister, Joyce Feldbauer.

He is survived by his children, Thomas (Susan) Houseman, Kathy (Bruce) Coron, Dorothy (Terry) Maki, Jane (Robby) Hebert, James (Maggie) Houseman, Sue (Tim) Stowe; his grandchildren, Loralee "Paige" Houseman, Mathew (Matena) Coron, Stephanie (Dave) Bovan, Andrew Maki, Hannah (Martin) Bruford, Wayne Helsten, Robert Helsten, William Helsten, Nickolas Hebert, Robyn Hebert, Kirsten Houseman, Ryan Houseman, Joey Swearingen, Jacob Stowe, and Tonja Stowe; great-grandchildren, Liam, Levi, Luna, Logan, Lincoln, Lydia, Ralph, Ayden, Jackson, Delaney, Harmony, Mariah, Dylan, Beau, Emma Lee, Cole, Brennan, Rylen; and his great-great-grandchild, Oakley; along with his special cousin, Lorraine Wheeler; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Honoring Joseph’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held in the Spring.

A full obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and family are invited to leave notes of remembrance.