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Joel Raymond Prater, age 66, of Manistique, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Emmons Adult Care Home.
Born on April 2, 1960, in Manistique, Joel was the son of Frederick “Buck” and Mary (Mathison) Prater. He graduated from Manistique High School in 1978 and dedicated his life to hard work. Joel spent many years as a logger, first working alongside his father and brother before proudly establishing his own logging business. A gifted mechanic, he and his father built the truck that served as the backbone of his business. Later, Joel began a long and rewarding career at the Port Inland limestone mine, where he worked faithfully for 31 years before retiring in 2023.
Joel was happiest when he was outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished every hunting season spent at a family friend’s farm in Wallace and looked forward to fishing trips to Canada with close friends. He enjoyed baking homemade bread and generously shared it with family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes people he just met. His popcorn was legendary as well, though he was always reluctant to share, jokingly telling everyone – even sometimes his children – to “go make your own.”
Joel loved reminiscing about the Chevy Nova SS he raced in his younger years. Later in life, he proudly owned another Nova SS that brought back countless memories of those carefree days. He also enjoyed golfing, tackling crossword puzzles, watching ESPN Classic, following hockey--from professional games to cheering on his children’s teams--and rooting for his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Above all, Joel treasured his family. His greatest joy in life was being a father, and he loved his children unconditionally. He never met a stranger and had an infectious laugh that filled every room he entered. A man of deep faith, Joel prayed often for those he loved. His easy smile and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.
Joel is survived by his daughter, Alissa (Ben) Hurley of Farmington Hills; his son, Garret Prater of Westland; his granddaughter, Kendall Hurley; his mother, Mary Prater of Manistique; his brother, Kerry Prater of Manistique; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, Joel was preceded in death by his brother, James Prater, and his sisters, Janice Champeau and Mary Buttry.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Manistique. A memorial service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. B.J. Ash officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall, where family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Joel’s life and sharing cherished memories. Burial will take place after the luncheon in Inwood Township Cemetery in Cooks, MI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Angel Flight Central.
The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Prater family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
