PFC Ira Joel Faden (Yisrael Ben Yosef v’Yetta)
Born in Chicago on June 19th, 1947, Ira passed away peacefully the morning of October 29th at 11:04 AM at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids from a lingering illness. Growing up in South Haven, Ira was an extremely gifted and curious child. At age 19 he joined the military with a friend and served as an MP in Korea with the rank of Private First Class. After being honorably discharged, Ira eventually settled in the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, where he received excellent care from the extremely talented and compassionate care team. He was a writer, a poet, a musician, constantly pouring out his thoughts into pages and pages of text. He constantly sought out knowledge from all sources and kept an open mind with his approach to religion and life. A sweet and gentle soul, Ira was beloved not by just his family and friends but also by those charged with providing his care at the group home and the Veteran’s home. He approached life with wonder and joy and leaves behind so many pieces of soul in the many works of art, music, and language which he created. His family, friends, and care providers will miss him dearly. May his soul finally find peace and rest. Please send out your love and condolences to his whole extended family including his siblings, Esther, Michael, Yarden, Lynne, Arlene, and Abbe.