After a long and courageous battle, Dr. Joel Lawrence Bez class of 1983, age 61, of Spring Lake (formerly of Kalamazoo), passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on July 10, 1965, in Detroit, MI, to the late Bert and Carol (Ehrenfeld) Bez, Joel remained a lifelong Michigan native, loving his family, boating, and everything lake life. Joel married Leslie Baughman on October 16, 1993. Together they cherished 33 years of marriage and raising their two sons, Alex and Brad, whom he loved dearly.
Excelling academically, Joel graduated from Okemos High School in 1983 and continued his education at Indiana University, where he proudly cheered on the 2026 National Champion Hoosiers. Interested in medicine from an early age, he went on to graduate from Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, beginning his long career as an anesthesiologist in Lansing. Joel was passionate about pain management and, above all, helping his patients, finishing his career with Southern Michigan Pain Consultants before his retirement. A man of great faith, Joel attended the Congregation of Moses Synagogue in Kalamazoo for many years.
Outside of medicine, Joel found his greatest joy in the people and places he loved. He loved a boat day on Spring Lake and Lake Michigan, relaxing with a good bourbon or cigar, and watching movies - often quoting them from memory with his two sons. He had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor that could keep his friends and family laughing, and was a steadfast and loyal friend. More than anything, Joel loved his family. He was immensely proud of his sons, Alex and Brad, and was especially delighted to become a grandfather to Archer. He was eagerly looking forward to meeting his second grandchild, who is on the way.
Joel and Leslie were surrounded by tremendous love and support throughout Joel's long cancer journey. Their heartfelt gratitude goes to Steve and Eileen Bez, who helped them through Joel's two years of treatments at Henry Ford in Detroit, and to Rob and Elisa Baughman, who came to stay with them and provide invaluable help with home care when times became especially difficult. Their kindness, love, and unwavering support meant more than words can express.
Joel leaves behind his loving wife, Leslie; children, Alexander (Elizabeth Blanchard) Bez, and Bradley (Taylor) Bez; grandson, Archer Bez; brother, Douglas Bez; brother-in-law, Robert (Elisa) Baughman; sister-in-law, Ashley (Joe) Prager; parents-in-law, Robert and Kathleen Baughman; and several beloved nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service for Dr. Joel Bez will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Rabbi Shelley Goldman officiating. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Henry Ford Health "Transplant Institute - Center for Living Donation" or Harbor Hospice Foundation.
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven on Aug. 10, 2026.
Published July 23, 1974 Lansing State Journal
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