Joseph Moore

As a compassionate and respected physician, Dr. Joseph Moore was known for putting the needs of others before his own. His generous heart led him to help without a second thought and to find something good to say about anyone, no matter the situation. He didn’t care about recognition or praise; he was just pleased with doing his best and working hard. Many people will miss having Joe as a good friend and colleague, but he will be held in special reverence by those who knew him as loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Joseph S. Moore was born on December 17, 1936 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was one of three children of Harold and Marie (Lindberg) Moore of Grand Rapids. His mother was a Swedish immigrant, and she and his father both worked at the International Harvester company, which is where they first met.

Joe’s childhood was unusual for the times. Because of his father’s employment, the family moved around often, living in Grand Forks and Minot, North Dakota, Great Falls, Montana and Denver, Colorado. Joe received his elementary education in Colorado and then joined the student body of Oakleigh Junior High when the family returned to Grand Rapids in 1949. After graduating from Union High School in 1954, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning his BA degree in 1958. Four years later, Joe graduated from Wayne State University Medical School and began his internship at Butterworth Hospital, realizing his dream of becoming a physician.

When Marilyn was a senior in high school and Joe was an undergraduate at U of M, Joe told her he would marry her some day. His prediction came true on August 29, 1959, when he married the love of his life, Marilyn Anderberg.

During their early years of marriage, not long after the birth of their firstborn child Amy, Joe entered the U.S. Air Force. Because doctors were in great demand during that time, Joe was put to work right away at the Niagara Falls Air Force Base in New York. There they welcomed their second daughter Sarah. He proudly served for two years before returning to civilian life and his OB/GYN residency at Butterworth. Once back in Grand Rapids, they completed their family with the births of two more daughters, Lisa and Julie, who added more joy and laughter to the family.

Joe cared for the people of the Grand Rapids region for many years as a dedicated and caring Obstetrician and Gynecologist. He was a vital advocate for his patients, for community health and for quality of life, particularly for the underprivileged and uninsured. He was active in the field of health care, serving on the Kent County Health Advisory Board and as Kent County Medical Director of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review, and Chairperson of the Accidental Injury Committee of the Michigan Maternal Mortality Review. He served as Chairman of the OB/GYN Department at Butterworth Hospital and an Associate Professor at Michigan State University Medical School.

Outside his professional life as a physician, Joe enjoyed a variety of activities. With a love for classical music, Joe and Marilyn were longtime supporters of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Opera. He enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. Time together with family was always a priority for Joe and he attended as many of his grandchildren’s activities as possible. Joe has also been an inspiration and true mentor to his nieces and nephews.

Church was a vital part of Joe’s and Marilyn’s lives. They were both longtime members of First United Methodist Church and were actively involved in many church activities, including serving on the Celebration of the Arts committee, being Youth Group leaders, and participating faithfully in the Disciple Bible studies. Joe also served on the Parish/Pastor committee. With faith as his guide, Joe lived his life according to Matthew 25:40, “… whatsoever you did for the least of these brothers, you did for me”.

Joe was devoted to his work, but he also took time to “stop and smell the roses”. He loved to feed the birds, and found great tranquility by the water. He and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Hawaii, Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico, and elsewhere.

He was a man of great character, nowhere better exemplified than in his courageous battle with multiple myeloma. For four long years, his cheerful demeanor and thoughtfulness of others never wavered despite the many challenges he endured. His generous spirit, his faith, his strong work ethic, and his commitment to many causes leaves his family and friends with fond memories and an admirable example. He will be deeply missed.

Dr. Joseph S. Moore, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Harold and Marie Moore and his infant daughter, Elizabeth Anne. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 51 years; children Amy Marie and Daniel Gallmeyer, Sarah Elizabeth and James MacDonald of Grand Rapids, Lisa Kay and Klaus Kutschke of Manistee and Julie Ann Moore of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren Joseph, Charles and Samuel Gallmeyer, Elizabeth and Claire MacDonald, and John and Anna Kutschke. Also surviving are his sister Marilyn Moore and Gil Rusk of Denver, CO.; brother John and his wife Sue Moore of Sarasota, FL and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 8 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 207 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, with entombment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet with the family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, on Friday, January 7, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made for First United Methodist Church, 207 E. Fulton, 49503 or Spectrum Health Foundation: Fetal Infant Mortality Review Fund c/o Spectrum Health, 100 Michigan NE, 49503. Please visit Dr. Moore’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.