Joseph J. Sayles, 72, of East Lansing, formerly of St. Ignace, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital after suffering a heart attack.

He was born in St. Ignace July 29, 1937, to George and Hortense (nee Cobe) Sayles.

He married Marilou Powers in Saginaw July 27, 1955.

Mr. Sayles worked on the Mackinac Bridge construction during 1955, helping to build the catwalk, and continued as a union painter for several summers. He also worked in highway construction for Alpine Construction and others, and retired from the Chief Wawatam after 19 years as a fireman/ oiler. He was a union representative for the Seafarers International Union for several years.

He lived in St. Ignace until 1985 when he retired because of disability.

Mr. Sayles loved to swim at the sand dunes, was an avid NASCAR fan, and had a large collection of miniature cars and NASCAR race cars. He and his family attended races all over lower Michigan and at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan.

He also loved to ride snowmobiles and motorcycles, and was an expert kite flyer, owning many large, exotic kites. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Sayles is survived by his wife; two daughters and their families, Kim Marie Nelson of Okemos, and Belinda and David Kirklen of East Lansing; six grandchildren, Erica, Billie, Bryce, Marnie Jo, DaNae, and David Joseph, and eight great-grandchildren, Jasper, Mason, Savannah, Sammantha, Wyatt, Reece, Kennedy, and William.

He was preceded in death two by sons, Raymond in 1986, Joseph E. September 4, 2005; a son-in-law, Fred Nelson in June 2009; two brothers, John and Ray Sayles; and a granddaughter, Erin Marie Sayles.

Services will be Saturday, October 17, at 2 p.m. at Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace with the Reverend Jim Balfour officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery.