Joel Stuart Schleifer

Joel Stuart Schleifer, 66, of Northville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the hospital on October 10, 2022, in the presence of his loving children. Joel was born on January 13, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to his late parents Alexander and Barbara (Weiss) Schleifer. He attended Oak Park High School and graduated in 1974.

After graduation, Joel completed some college before completely entering the workforce as an auto mechanic. Over the span of his career, he worked at various auto shops, car dealerships, Ford Motor Company, and at a vehicle test lab. An injury on the job led him to change career paths and he began to work as a truck driver up until his passing. In August of 1988, Joel married his then wife, Suzanne White, whom he was married to for five years until their separation. Together they had and raised their two children together.

Joel, also known as “Rabbi” (Teacher), “Kid”, “Grandpa” and “Grillmaster”, was a father who not only loved his children but who also cherished the time that he got to spend with his grandson. When they were younger, he loved taking his kids to monster truck rally’s, fishing expos at Silver Dome, and impulsive trips to K-Mart and Target for snacks. He loved the WWE, muscle cars, Nascar, and had a special appreciation for Harley Davidsons. While he didn’t have one of his own, he always jumped at any opportunity to ride his friends. He was an avid collector of the Harley Davidson poker chips and accumulated dozens from various locations across the country. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and took part in the Honor Guard activities whenever possible.

Joel was a social butterfly who loved to be in the middle of every conversation, and he adamantly made sure that he always got the last word. His projecting voice and dramatic expression could not go ignored, and his inability to sit still made him quite entertaining. He hugged and kissed everyone that he met for the first time, was always laughing, and although he was not the best with his words at times, he made sure you knew how he felt by some act of physical affection which always went a long way. He was a photo keeper of all his loved ones and would keep a stockpile of random photos that he accumulated from surfing online. Among the many things that will be missed about him, his children will miss most his middle-of-the-week random calls and his unpredictable drop-ins where he would stop over, unannounced, at any time of the day. He was a good grandfather and the time he spent having bonfires and roasting marshmallows with his grandson will always be remembered. He will be dearly missed.

Joel is survived by his son, Seth Schleifer; daughter, Savannah Schleifer; ex-wife, Suzanne White; grandson, Xavier Schleifer; sister, Cindy (Robert) Proudfoot; and his two nieces, many cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Funeral services are being handled privately by the family. To send condolences directly to the family, please visit Joel’s Tribute Wall at walkerfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to the Tribute Fund to help support the family with their funeral expenses in Joel’s honor.