Joey Oberthaler

Today we celebrate a life that was not measured by titles, possessions, or achievements alone, but by something far greater: the joy, love, and happiness one person brought into the lives of everyone around him. Joseph William Oberthaler, lovingly known as Joey, lived with a pure heart and a joyful spirit that never dimmed. He had a gift for making people smile, a talent for laughter, and a way of helping others see the goodness in the world. To know Joey was to be reminded that life is meant to be enjoyed, celebrated, and shared.

Joey's story began on December 13, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when George and Lela Oberthaler welcomed their sixth child into the world. In those days, families of children born with Down syndrome were often given heartbreaking advice. Doctors told George and Lela that Joey should be placed in an institution. But love had a stronger voice.

His older brothers, David and Dan, sensed the sadness surrounding their new baby brother. When Joey did not immediately come home, they asked questions and spoke from their hearts. They wanted their brother with his family, where he belonged. Eventually Joey came home, and from that moment on, he was surrounded by the love of his parents, sister, and brothers who saw not limitations, but possibilities. None of them could have imagined just how much joy he would bring into their lives.

Raised in Kalamazoo's Westwood neighborhood, Joey grew up much like any child. He rode his tricycle around the neighborhood, splashed endlessly in the family pool, and followed his sister and brothers everywhere they went. His family helped him learn and grow, teaching him everything from daily tasks to life skills, but the truth is that Joey taught them just as much. He taught patience, kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love.

George worked long hours at the paper company, and Lela balanced work and raising a large family. Yet despite the demands of daily life, they raised Joey exactly as they raised all their children, with high expectations, endless encouragement, and unconditional love. Their devotion gave him the foundation to flourish.

Joey attended the John F. Kennedy Center, where he spent many years learning, creating, and building friendships that would last a lifetime. He graduated with a certificate of merit at age 26, an achievement he proudly celebrated. Education never truly ended for Joey. He continued participating in programs through MRC, later working in the MRC workshop and MRC Artworks. Over the years he completed a variety of jobs, including assembling utensils, rolling napkins, and stuffing envelopes. Joey worked hard and took pride in every task he was given.

Joey continued building friendships and his passion for keeping busy at Western Michigan University Center for Disability Services for the remainder of his life. He was able to spend more time doing his favorite things like coloring, bingo, listening to music and many more activities. Every day Joe came home he was thrilled to tell us how each and every day went. He met so many impactful people at Disability Services that Joey spent numerous hours talking about, bringing so much delight to his face.

One of Joey's greatest passions was the Special Olympics. Beginning around the age of ten, he became involved in swimming, bowling, and other athletic competitions. Swimming became his signature sport, and for forty years he competed with enthusiasm and determination. His dedication earned him a special honor when he was crowned "King of the Olympics" at Mount Pleasant. Joey absolutely loved that title. For years afterward, he would proudly declare, "I'm number one! I'm the King!" and his infectious smile would light up the room.

Joey never met a stranger. Friendship came naturally to him. Whether at school, bowling alleys, church, work programs, or family gatherings, he made connections wherever he went. People were drawn to his warmth, his humor, smile and charm. He loved conversations and thrived in the company of family and friends. If there was laughter nearby, Joey was probably at the center of it.

His faith was another constant throughout his life. A lifelong member of St. Augustine Parish, he celebrated First Communion, Confirmation, and Reconciliation there. His faith was simple, sincere, and reflected in the kindness he showed others every day.

Joey was also an adventurer. While many people dream of traveling, Joey actually did it. Thanks to his parents and family, he explored much of the United States and traveled around the world. He visited Florida countless times, loved the vacation cottages at Hamilton Lakes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and enjoyed vacations in St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. He traveled to Germany, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, Paris and Cozumel. He cruised the seas, swam with dolphins, rode airboats, soared on zip lines, went parasailing, and even took a helicopter ride. Joey was always ready for the next adventure.

Among his favorite memories were Disney vacations. He loved Mickey Mouse and everything Disney represented: laughter, fun, and magic. On one memorable trip to Disney's Vero Beach Resort, Joey told his family he was heading to the bathroom. After being gone longer than expected, they discovered him dancing joyfully in front of a Jamaican band, completely caught up in the music and having the time of his life. That was Joey. If there was music playing, you could count on finding him dancing nearby.

Music filled his life. He loved singing along to John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," listening to Michael Jackson, enjoying the Oak Ridge Boys, and celebrating Christmas with "Silent Night." Dancing was one of his greatest joys, and he never worried about who was watching. If you knew Joe you knew how much he loved to pose and fashion his clothes, whether the outfit was brand new or had been in his closet for decades, Joe was ready to show you with his own fashion spin. Joey simply lived in the moment and without a care in the world-something we all should take away from Joey.

Christmas held a special place in his heart. In many ways, Christmas became part of his personality. He loved every holiday, but Christmas was his favorite by far. He delighted in decorations, cookie decorating, gifts, music, and the excitement of the season. Yet what made Christmas so special to Joey was not what he received, but what he gave. He gave something to our family that wasn’t a physical gift, it was the gift of pure love for Christmas. He also spent countless hours creating handmade ornaments, including beautiful satin-covered Christmas balls decorated with beads and sequins. Friends and family treasured these gifts because each one carried a piece of Joey's heart.

Creativity flowed through everything he did. He loved hook rugs, coloring, painting, stained-glass suncatchers, steppingstones, arts and crafts and organizing projects. He also spent years creating a remarkable cookbook collection, carefully typing recipes on a manual typewriter until he filled three binders. It was a labor of love and a testament to his dedication and attention to detail.

Of course, Joey also had a mischievous side. He loved teasing people, especially his niece Brianna, whom he affectionately called "Biana." He enjoyed sneaking chocolate when no one was looking, borrowing pens that somehow never found their way back, and keeping family members laughing with his playful antics. He was known to charm the ladies, enjoy a strawberry daiquiri, and proudly sport a mustache inspired by Burt Reynolds after seeing him at a Special Olympics event in Florida.

Those who knew Joey describe him with words like pure, innocent, gentle, funny, joyful, friendly and a bright soul. Many simply called him sunshine. He saw goodness where others saw obstacles. He did not dwell on negativity. He loved freely, forgave easily and appreciated every kindness shown to him.

His family will miss so many things: his conversations, his laughter, his teasing, his joyful dancing, and his excitement over the simplest pleasures. They will miss hearing him proudly proclaim that he was number one. They will miss seeing his face light up at Christmas. Most of all, they will miss the love he shared so effortlessly.

Joey shared a special bond with his niece, Brianna. For many years of her life, Brianna lovingly provided care for Joey. He became very dependent on her, and in turn, Joey became the bright spot in her life.

Joey's life reminds us that true greatness is found not in what we achieve, but in how we make others feel. He taught us to celebrate every day, treasure every relationship, and find joy in life's ordinary moments. He showed us how to love without conditions and laugh without hesitation.

What a gift he was. What a beautiful life he lived. And what a legacy he leaves behind.

Thank you, Joey, for the laughter, the adventures, the smiles, and the love. You were truly one of a kind. You will forever be our King. You were our sunshine.

Joseph “Joey” Oberthaler of Kalamazoo age 64, died on September 13, 2026. He was born December 13, 1961 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Lela and George Oberthaler, Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and Denis Patrick Oberthaler.

Surviving are his siblings: David (Susie) Oberthaler, Daniel Oberthaler, Debra (David) Singer, George (Vicky) Oberthaler, Jr., Brett Oberthaler, Kevin (Carrie) Oberthaler; and many nieces and nephews.

Joey’s family would like to thank Centrica Care Navigators for the hospice care provided to Joey along with supporting the family.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Sunday September 20 at 4 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared.

Celebrate Joey’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics Michigan or Center for Disability Services at Western Michigan University.