Obituary: Joseph E. Sayen III

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Joseph “Joe” E. Sayen III, age 70, of Hancock, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2024. He was born on September 14, 1953, in Tillamook,  Oregon. His family moved to the Upper Peninsula when he was very young and the Keweenaw became his life-long home.

Joe was the beloved husband of Cathe and the loving father of Jessica (Craig) Alcock, Brandon (Tesse) Sayen, Jaime (Mike) Davis, Joe (Jamie) Sayen, and Stephanie Sayen. He was also a cherished grandfather to ten lively and loving grandchildren. Joe is survived by many other family members and close friends who will always be family. He was preceded in death by his parents, June and Joe Sayen, and his brother, Bill. 

Joe attended Hancock Central High School class of 1972. Shortly after high school, he purchased, ran, and grew Sayen’s Business Equipment in downtown Hancock for 40 years. He was a dedicated businessman who took pride in his work, getting to know people all over the UP. 

A lover of life, Joe was known for his big laugh, storytelling, sense of humor, and kindness. He could make anybody feel like the most important person in the room and always wanted to be sure everybody was having a good time. He enjoyed shooting the breeze, hunting, four-wheeling, a good sauna, and cheering on his Green Bay Packers. Joe was punctual to a fault, a pizza connoisseur, a perfectionist, and the personality that filled the room.  He had a love for travel and experiencing new adventures, both big and small. 

Joe was a life-long worshipper at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock, where he found solace and community. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, hardworking nature, and his ability to find joy in the simple things in life. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will dance on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Fr. Corey Litzner to celebrate.  

A time to share memories and celebrate Joe’s life will also take place at Gino’s restaurant in Hancock on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, starting at 2:00 pm

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorial gifts be given to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Joseph E. Sayen III.

To view Joe’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memoriachapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.