Joseph Nolan Taeckens

TAECKENS, Joseph Nolan, age 71, former Flint resident, died July 7, 2014 at his home in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. Joe was born on February 17, 1943 in Flint, to Clarence and Jean (Reid) Taeckens. He graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1961. Joe was born and raised in Flint and remained a resident until his recent move to the Canadian Lakes area. He is survived by his wife, Susan Taeckens, daughters, Elizabeth Monroe (Todd) of Eaton Rapids, Kathryn Verhelst (John Looman) of Flint and Kara Lake (James) of Canadian Lakes and grandchildren Jack, Margaret and Sophia Monroe, Emma and Ethan Verhelst and Abigail and Peter Lake. He is also survived by his sisters, Grace Rose, Virginia Panek and Geraldine Taeckens. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Clarence Taeckens. He began his work career at Genesee Bank retiring in 1988, with a second retirement from Vic Bond Sales in 2003. Outside of work and family, Joe loved the game of hockey both as a player and high school referee. He was instrumental in developing the Greater Flint Hockey Association. He served one year as Referee-in-Chief and many years as the assistant Referee-in-Chief. The ice arena was his second home. Joe was also a past member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Genesee County and a member of the Genesee County Lion's Club. Joe was also an avid fisherman and loved camping. Visitation will take place at Sharp Funeral Home on Miller Road in Swartz Creek on Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 3- 9:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2500 North Franklin Ave. Flint on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 12 Noon. The family will receive visitors 1 hour prior to the mass. Interment at Flint Memorial Park, Mt. Morris. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The family extends a very special 'thank you' to the Spectrum Health Hospice staff, who tenderly cared for Joe in his final days. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com