Rivette, Norward J. “Joe”
Saginaw Township, Michigan
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Norward J. “Joe” Rivette, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Monday, March 20, 2023 at his residence in Saginaw Township, Michigan. Age 90 years. Joe was born on November 15, 1932 in Leonville, Louisiana to the late Leonard and Frieda (Stelly) Rivette. As a young child Joe moved to Zilwaukee with his family; always referring to himself over the years as a “Cajun Transplant”. Joe was a 1951 graduate of St. Andrew’s High School. He went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Army; serving from 1953 - 1955 during the Korean War. Joe was honored with a Korean Service Metal. On May 25, 1957 inside of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Zilwaukee, Michigan, Joe married the love of his life, Barbara A. Genske, and she survives him. Joe worked as a Steamfitter for UA Local 85; with 70 years of service. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #4232, and the American Legion Post #439. Joe enjoyed competing in road races; both running and walking. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed selling and trading antiques and collectibles at the Bay City Flea Market. Over the years Joe and Barb enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome; enjoying scenery and traveling to visit family and friends. Joe also cherished family reunions. Joe always looked forward to his meetings at McDonald’s with his good friends. He will be missed dearly by all, and his memories cherished forever.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 65 years, Barbara A. “Barb” Rivette; three children, Stephen Rivette of Saginaw Township, Matthew (Carol) Rivette of Saginaw Township, and Sharon (Michael) Gascoyne of Zilwaukee; two grandchildren, Breana (William) Cooper of Carrollton and Michael Rivette of Saginaw Township; one great-grandchild, Samson Cooper; sister, Janice Meyerhofer of Arizona; brother, Wayne (Debbie) Rivette of Freeland; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Tony Abbott. Joe is happily reunited with his parents, Leonard and Frieda (Stelly) Rivette; siblings, Marlene Cook and Leonard (Kathy) Rivette; brother-in-law, Leonard Meyerhofer; and several dear friends.
At the request of Joe and his family, cremation has taken place and Private Memorial Gathering for the immediate family was held. Inurnment will take place in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw, Michigan. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to a “Charity of Donor’s Choice”. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Snow Funeral Home, www.snowfuneralhome.net