Joel Zienty, age 85, of St. Joseph, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday April 6, 2023.
He was born on April 6, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Edwin and Dorothy (Dase) Zienty. Joel grew up on the far southeast-side of Chicago. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While earning an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree from Roosevelt University and a doctorate from Northwestern University, he supported himself by working construction, as a railroad switchman, a delivery driver, and Teaching Assistant. His first fulltime teaching job was with City College of Chicago, conducting college English classes for high school seniors where he met his future wife, Linda Leuschner. In 1973, he was hired by Lake Michigan College to teach English Composition and Literature courses.
During his 33 years at LMC, he also taught Humanities courses, including film courses which he initiated, was involved in establishing the computer assisted writing program and served as Department Chairman. During the 1970’s, he wrote the program notes for the Twin Cities Symphony.
In Joel’s retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, making furniture, working on home improvements, and true to his south-side Chicago heritage, rooting for the White Sox and whoever was playing the Cubs.
Joel is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Linda; children, Erika (Rob Lockamy), Karla (Dustin) Scott, and Beth Zienty; grandchildren, Nathan Zienty, Kayla and Brody Lockamy, and Anna Scott; his brother Bill (Christine) and sisters Cynthia (George) Woosnam, Janice (Kim) Urban, and Ellen (Bill) Dukowitz.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph. A private graveside service will be held on Friday at North Shore Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Berrien County Animal Control or St. John and Bernard Parish, Benton Harbor. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Service Details
Visitation
When
April 13th, 2023 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085