Joseph Leist

Joseph E. Leist, 57, of Boyne City passed away at his home on May 18, 2022 following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Joe was born to Ron and Judy Leist on September, 26, 1964. He grew up on their family farm and graduated from Onaway High School in 1982. Joe married his wife, Shelley (Ryder), on June 29, 1991 and they lived together in Horton Bay until the time of his death. Joe began working at Manthei Construction in 2001 and proudly drove semi for them until March of this year. 

He was a steady man with a strong work ethic. Joe enjoyed sitting at the family cabin on Lake Superior, boating, the beach, and spending time with family and friends around a bonfire.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Ann Leist and Janet Beriault; and his father- & mother-in-law, Jim and Bonnie Ryder.

He is survived by his wife; brother, Gary Leist (Janet Gardner), of Boyne City; sister, Linda (Kevin) Clements, of Boyne City; niece, Bridgette Beriault, of Apollo Beach, Florida; brother- & sister-in-law, Steve (Tammy) Ryder, of Boyne Falls; niece, Nissa (Eric) Cohen and great-nephew, Cameron, of Omaha, Nebraska; and nephew Geary Ryder (Bridget McFail), of Lone Tree, Colorado; along with many wonderful relatives and close friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 at 5:00pm at Walloon Lake Community Church. Visitation to precede the service, beginning at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blue Water Hospice Home, 2795 Edison Drive, Marysville, MI 48040 or https://vnabwh.org/donate/

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