Jan. 7, 1981 — Dec. 25, 2018

Joel Allen Behm passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 25, 2018, in his home.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1981, in Manhattan, Kansas.

He is survived by his son, Skylar VanKirk, of Niles and his dog, Duke. Joel is also survived by his father, Eric (Pam), of Niles; sisters Darlene Turnbo, of Mishawaka and Stephanie Behm, of South Bend; brother Eric Behm, of Muir, Michigan; grandmothers Bonnie Behm, of Michigan and Arlene Melton, of Illinois; several aunts uncles and cousins; nieces and nephews: Kaci, Kiya, Riley, Aubrey, Chaz and Myles; mother Debra (Kevin) Kelly of South Bend. Joel was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward J. Behm.

Joel was an avid Michigan State Spartans fan and used his many skills within the construction business. He loved going to his grandparents’ place in the woods up in Michigan, going salmon fishing and spending as much time outdoors as he possibly could. He enjoyed cooking for friends and family and just hanging out. He was an awesome softball coach for the Nitro Girls softball team at MBJSA, whom he led to Nationals in Minnesota.

A celebration of life will be from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Niles Eagles Lodge, 34 Sycamore Street, in Niles, Michigan.

Palmer Funeral Home-West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joel Allen Behm Memorial Fund at Teachers Credit Union. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at palmerfuneralhomes.com.