Age: 76
NEIMAN, Joseph C.
Paw Paw
The Reverend Joseph C. Neiman, 76 years of age, returned to the Lord on Wednesday morning, April 15, 2015. He was in hospice care at home, cared for by his wife, Judi and many loving volunteers from St. Martin of Tours where he assisted and attended services. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Virginia Neiman (Sherwood). He was born January 21, 1939 in Traverse City, Michigan. Joseph received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master's Degree from Michigan State University, an Associate's Degree from North Western Michigan College and he received a degree from Divine Word International Centre in Canada. He returned to Divine World to teach pastoral theology and then worked towards his doctorate in Rome, Italy. He was united in marriage on October 13, 1974 to Judith A. Guza and they resided in Traverse City, MI. He was ordained an episcopal priest, June 13, 1981 and they moved to Paw Paw, MI where he was pastor of St. Mark's Episcopal Church for 25 years. Together with his congregation they built a new church on property that was given to the church. He was also editor of the Diocesan Newspaper for 15 years. His passion was teaching, bringing the Gospel into the marketplace. He loved children and was co-leader of a Journey to Adulthood Youth Group that consisted of 12 teenage youth for 6 years. Father Joseph was very active in the Paw Paw area and was chief chaplain at Bronson Lakeview Hospital for several years. He was very active in establishing an ecumenical group of local pastors from various denominations who met every Wednesday for breakfast. He strengthened United Christian Services (an ecumenical group) to help assist those in need. He was active in Rotary for many years. After he retired from St. Mark's in 2006 he worked as a supply priest for many different parishes, but he chose St. Martin of Tours as his home parish where he assisted and worshiped. His life's passions were teaching, writing, reading, photography and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Judi; sister, Karen Treadway; niece; 3 nephews and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. This loving faithful priest and shepherd, husband, teacher, counselor, leader and friend will be dearly missed as will his sense of humor. Visitations will be on, Saturday April 25, 2015, 3 to 4 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours, in Kalamazoo followed by a Celebratory Funeral Liturgy at 4 p.m.. Joseph requested that people attending the service wear bright colors for celebration. Memorial may be made to St. Martin of Tours India Ministry. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Share a memory or sign the guest book at www.adamspawpaw.com