Joseph W. R. Noel

EAST LANSING, Mich. / LISBON – Joseph W. R. Noel (Romeo), 101, of Lisbon, Maine and East Lansing, Michigan passed away on 13 September 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. Joseph was born on January 7th, 1924 in Athol, Massachusetts to parents Albina Lanteigne Noel and Joseph Robert Noel.

Following graduation from Athol High School Joseph enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served for over 20 years. He was a combat Veteran who served in World War II and the Korean Conflict, having scene service at Normandy, St.-Lo and the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Joseph was an accomplished skier and swimmer who competed for the Army in his later years of service.

Following his military service Joseph went on to work for the State of Maine as an Auditor for the Maine State Liquor Commission, retiring in the mid-1980s.

Joseph was married to the former Heide E. Neumann Noel who predeceased him in 2013. Following their marriage in Athol, Massachusetts on January 28th, 1961 the couple moved to Lisbon, Maine where the couple raised three children, Monique (Noel) Bierwirth, Janine Noel, and Andre Noel. Joseph resided full time at his home in Lisbon, Maine until age 94, when he moved to East Lansing, Michigan.

Joseph spent many summer weekends camping with his wife and children when they were younger and developing in each of them a sense of appreciation for the outdoors. Winter weekends were spent skiing with his children, an activity some of them still engage in to this day with his grandchildren.

Joseph was an avid traveler. He and Heide traveled the world after they both retired – from the Caribbean, throughout Europe and even to China. There were always interesting stories to share upon their return from these adventures. Joseph (and Heide) loved cruising and sailed throughout the world. Sometimes by themselves and sometimes with their children and grandchildren. These gatherings provide for many fond memories for all.

After moving to Michigan Joseph became an avid Michigan State University sports fan where he thoroughly enjoyed attending both men’s and women’s basketball games and MSU hockey games. He loved attending cultural events in the local area and was always up for Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Game.

Joseph was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Lisbon, Maine and then Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lisbon Falls, Maine. He volunteered with all these organizations and many more throughout his lifetime.

Joseph is survived by his three children Monique C. Bierwirth (Roy), Janine M. Noel, and Andre R. Noel (Ronnie Allan). He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Ilse Brianna Adkins, Anastacia M. Adkins, Josephine M. Bolton, Katerina N. Bierwirth (Jason Cooper), and Matthew R. Bierwirth.

Internment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. No local services are scheduled per Joseph’s wishes.

Please visit http://www.greastlansing.com to share a memory with the family.

Donations made be made to a Veterans Organization of your choice or the Maine State Parks System.