Joseph Andres Obituary

Joseph E. Andres, 69, of Beal City, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Born on August 10, 1956, in Isabella County, he was the eighth of nine children of Aloysius P. and Monica J. (Sheahan) Andres. He grew up alongside his siblings Philip, Gerald, Richard, Robert, Jacqueline, Mary, Margery, and Jean.

Joe graduated from Beal City High School in 1974 and married the love of his life, Elaine Cluley, on February 27, 1976, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant. He was very proud of recently celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children: Stacy, Brian, Leslie, and Allison.

Joe spent his life rooted in the family dairy farm, eventually taking over operations with his brother Richard. He enjoyed playing cards, his annual fishing trip and toolin' with friends, and crop checking. His passion for farming continued through his son, Brian. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Joe loved playing, watching, and especially attending the events of his children and grandchildren. Many knew him affectionately as "Front Row Joe."

Family was at the center of Joe's life, especially his beloved grandchildren, each of whom he gave a special nickname. His humor stayed with him until his final days.

Joe is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Stacy (Michael) O'Neal of Dewitt, Brian (Michelle) Andres of Mt. Pleasant, Leslie (Benjamin) Thielen of Beal City, and Allison (Levi) Woodbury of Beal City; and his grandchildren Kennedy, Nicole, Olivia, and Connor O'Neal, Alex (Katelen) Brown, Bailey (Cole) Fitzpatrick, Morgan Greening, and Whitney Andres, Aubrey, Ashlyn, and Avan Thielen, and Blake and Jacqueline Woodbury.

He is also survived by his siblings Philip (LDonna) Andres of Commerce Twp., Gerald (Marcia) Andres of Clarkston, Robert (Pam) Andres of Muskegon, Mary (Robert) Pasch of Beal City, Marge Allen of Whitmore Lake, and Jean (Randy) Fouty of Beal City; sister in law Barbara Andres of Beal City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother in law Jacqueline and Ronald Pung; his brother Richard Andres; nephews Justin Andres and Joey Pung; brother in law David Allen; and parents in law Elwyn Cluley and Mary (Don) Mullin.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where Joe was a lifelong member. Father Andy LaFramboise will preside. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Monday from 3–7 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., and again on Tuesday one hour prior to Mass.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Cancer Services or St. Joseph the Worker School.