A master of absurd sayings and witty comebacks, Joseph E. Laveque, Jr., 90 years young, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of May 2, 2020. Joe was born in 1929 in Pontiac, MI to parents Joseph E. Laveque, Sr. and Flora (McMaster), and had four siblings Charles "Chuck" (Grace) Laveque, Helen (Kenny) McClain, Roberta (James) Jeffries and Margaret "Peggy" (Archie) Robinson - all deceased. He attended Pontiac schools. Joe served 2 years in the Army during the Korean War. He worked for 38 years at Pontiac Motors in Accounting. In 1962, he purchased a home on Olympic Pkwy in Waterford where he resided for 53 years, as a newlywed, a husband and father, and eventually as a widower. During the family years, Joe bought a travel trailer and took the family across the country for several weeks each summer, visiting every contiguous state and many of our national parks, and providing rich memories for all. Joe and his wife Jean both retired from Pontiac Motors. They had many years of retired bliss that included golf, parties with friends and family, and celebrations of their children's accomplishments and milestones. The party they had when their two sons graduated from college is legendary to all who attended. Joe was a devoted husband to Madonna Jean (Dowling) who passed away much too soon in 1997, and later a friend and companion to widower Shirley Kloosterman of Lowell, MI, who is also deceased. Joe is father to three children, Joseph P. (Tracy) Laveque, Gerald "Jerry" Laveque (deceased), and Denise (Brian) Stevens; and grandfather to Cooper J Stevens, Taryn Stevens, and Hannah Laveque. Joe and his family were parishioners at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Waterford. Joe and Jerry attended school there through high school, and daughter Denise graduated from Waterford Kettering High School. Both boys graduated from Central Michigan University, and Denise graduated from Michigan State. Joe had many friends from school, church, and work as well as fellow snowbirds from many winters spent in Destin, Florida. At 90, he was still making friends, including his caregivers at The Pines of Clarkston. Notably, he and Jean were members of a group of friends known as "The Dirty Dozen," that raised much heck and had much fun for many years, and consumed more than their share of "bud sandwiches." Joe was the last surviving male member of this raucous 12, but Marge Novess, Jane Morin and Maggie Lisac are still living life to its fullest and it should be noted that their generosity and kindness to Joe and his family have been a blessing beyond measure. Memories of Joe will keep his family and friends smiling, but his irreplaceable presence will be missed by all. Still, we are happy imagining the great party that must be going on somewhere in heaven as he reunites with family and friends he has been missing these many years. Until we join that party, we'll be raising a glass in his honor down here. Joe will be interred with his wife and next to his son at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford. For the safety of all concerned, the family will hold a Memorial/Celebration event at a TBD time in the future. In the meantime, here's to Joe! In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in honor of Joe to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2029 S. Elms Road, Building B, Suite A, Swartz Creek, MI 48473