Joseph Farnsworth

Joseph J Farnsworth, known by many as "Glue Man", "The Man, the Myth, the Legend" or "Man of Mystery" passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 61. He was born on May 13, 1963, in Lansing, MI, to Gordon Walter Farnsworth and Elizabeth Jean Eveleth.

Joe was a proud graduate of Everett High School, where he was a cutting-edge male cheerleader. Following high school, he went on to dedicate his life to carpentry, working as a laborer, foreman, and craftsman with a rare ability to work with almost any material. Joe’s reputation as a hands-on problem solver was well-known. Whether tinkering with old bicycles for his four grandchildren or creating intricate gift traps, Joe was always thinking, always creating.

In 1980, Joe married the love of his life, Dori Ann Haggadone, in a ceremony in Lansing, MI. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter. Joe was a proud father and an even prouder grandfather, dedicating countless hours to being a caretaker and role model to his grandchildren.

Joe’s interests were as wide-ranging as his talents. He was a voracious reader, a skilled baker, and a lover of cards, particularly enjoying a good round of cribbage. His infectious smile was known to lift everyone's spirits and while he made everyone else around him smile, his was like a reward – something you earned.

As much as he was a man of humor and lightheartedness, Joe was also deeply committed to his faith. He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he worked with youth and volunteered at the Loaves and Fishes homeless shelter. His belief in the power of community, hard work, and kindness guided everything he did. A loyal and steadfast friend, Joe’s generosity was endless. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer support, and, when necessary, be the "Joe to the rescue" that many relied on.

Joe’s personality was a rare combination of strength, wit, and warmth. He was whip-smart, sharp as a tack, and had a way of cutting through even the hardest of moments with humor and wisdom. Joe was a man who didn’t just exist – he made an impact on everyone he met. Whether with a joke, a helping hand, or a simple act of kindness, he made the world a better place.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife: Dori Ann Farnsworth; children: Danielle (Dan) Williams of Lansing, MI and Dustin (Erika Adams) of Montréal, QC; grandchildren: Elias Farnsworth, Jasper Farnsworth, Daniel (Trip) Williams III and Walter Farnsworth; mother-in-law: Donna Haggadone; siblings: Michael Scott Farnsworth, Thomas (Shirley) Farnsworth and Amy (Aaron) Sluka; siblings-in-law: Dave (Sharon) Haggadone, Debra (Craig) Wilson and Robert (Diane) LeBlanc; and nieces and nephews: Kelly (Matt) Thomas, Joshua (Jacquelyn) Farnsworth, Kim (Jeff) Wolfe, Ashley (Robert) Murphy, Ben Smallegan, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Becky (Alinx) St. Louis, Dawn (Clay) Plenar, Cortney Coats, Kyle (Katie) Wilson, Mikel Haggadone, Scott (Naomi) LeBlanc and Perry LeBlanc.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law: Richard Haggadone; and brother: Thomas Gregg Farnsworth.

A memorial service for Joe will be held Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912.