It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Edward Lile on March 21, 2025, at the age of 81. Joe passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and dedication.

Joe was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on February 13, 1944. His family moved to Detroit when he was a boy, where he grew up and graduated from Lutheran High School West. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the Army, Joe married his beloved Suzanne. He pursued higher education, earning a degree in education from Eastern Michigan University.

Joe spent many years in the Taylor School System, where he taught English and Humanities. His passion for teaching touched countless students, and he retired in 2008 after a fulfilling career. He also cherished the opportunity to help coordinate school plays, sharing his love of creativity with the next generation.

Joe was a man of many interests and passions. He loved to travel, particularly to places with water, and he and his late wife, Suzanne, explored destinations like France and Germany. Joe also enjoyed the cultural and artistic offerings of his beloved Detroit, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Greenfield Village. Joe and Suzanne were also avid gardeners, and their beautiful yard won multiple awards from the city of Dearborn for its stunning flowers, a testament to their shared love for nurturing beauty.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne, and his parents, Joseph and Doris Lile. Joe is survived by his significant other, Kathy Greene; his sisters, Sandra Lange, Gail (Gary) Cross, and Judi (Keith) Boakes; his sisters-in-law, Irene (Terry) Morrone and Patricia (Gerry) Raker; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will remember him fondly and dearly.

Joe's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A private inurnment of Joe and Suzanne's urns will take place at Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit.

The family requests that donations in Joe's memory be made to:

-Open Door Ministry https://www.fortstreet.org/opendoor

-Greenfield Village https://www.thehenryford.org/support/

-Detroit Institute of Arts https://dia.org/support/donate

-Detroit Symphony Orchestra https://tickets.dso.org/support/donate

-A charity of your choosing