Joseph W. Pickett

Joseph “Joe” W. Pickett passed away and went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Joe suffered a massive stroke and brain bleed on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his home in the early evening. Despite Beacon Allegan and Beacon Kalamazoo’s efforts to save him, his condition severely worsened overnight, and a cure could not be reached. 

Joe was born on March 6, 1955, to Francis and June Pickett, the eldest of 4 siblings. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie on June 28, 1975, and they recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. 

Joe had countless friends, anyone who met him loved him. He was a true patriot and was a walking talking history book and could recite so much it was truly amazing. He knew the Constitution, Bill of Rights and events, dates and timelines. Joe was first a loving son, then an amazing husband and steadfast loyal father that taught and shaped his kids with all he could. He was truly a wonderful loving husband, dad and papa to his family that he always put first and foremost in his life. 

Joe built so much of Kalamazoo and Allegan during his 40 years of excavating. He was truly a gifted heavy equipment operator. He could operate any piece of equipment and made it look easy. His true passion was farming from childhood to present day. He always said he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did. 

Joe graduated from Otsego High School but had fond memories of Hicks Country School just 1 mile away from his home on 26th Street in Allegan where he met his lifelong friend, Gary Rogers who remains his best friend to this day. Joe enjoyed spending time with his neighbors who were like family having bonfires. Joe loved the Lord and studied Biblical Law which he had a passion for. 

He was an inspiration to all who knew him and would help anyone in need. He’s gone to meet up with his family who have passed on and his best friend Jay Millbocker. Joe will never be replaced, and he will be missed forever and always. 

Surviving are his loving wife, Bonnie; children, Nikki (Ben) Butcher and Kaleb (Jordan) Pickett; 4 grandchildren, Shelby, Abby, Bianka and Deklin; 1 great-grandchild with another due soon; siblings, Steve (Missy) Pickett, Tom Pickett and Julie (Bret) Andrysiak all of Allegan; nieces and nephews, Tom, Jayce, Drake, Calleigh, Shane, Brandon, Samantha, Holly, CJ and Presley; many great nieces and nephews and his newest “adopted” son, Eric (Codi) DeJong. 

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. 

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the family farm at a time to be announced shortly.

Contributions in memory of Joe may be directed to OurUnitedRepublic.com. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.