After a courageous and relentless battle with mental illness, Justin Joseph Dalzell, son, brother, and friend to all – took his life on September 9, 2023, in his Kansas home. He was 32 years old.
Born on February 14, 1991, to Kevin and Charity Dalzell, Justin’s magnetic personality was apparent early in life as he became a favorite of friends, family, teachers and anyone else lucky enough to cross the vibrant boy’s path. He attended Lake Leelanau St. Mary pre-k through 2nd grade before transferring to Suttons Bay schools where he graduated in 2009. During his education Justin excelled both in the classroom as a student and on the pitch as a delightfully skilled soccer player.
Justin was a companion to those whom he worked with. Someone you could confide in, trust and get sage advice from. You could lean on him when times were tough, all the while he was fighting his own battle stoically in the background. Justin’s knowledge was vast and that would show whenever anyone was fortunate enough to watch an episode of Jeopardy with him. He was a talented cook who loved to share his gift in the kitchen with friends and family. Always an essential part of holiday meals making it to the table and keeping spirits high as family members would wrestle with what to do about a broken hollandaise.
In his time away from the line Justin had a variety of interests, passions and happy places. A favorite activity during Summer days was long hikes to beautiful beaches and simply taking in the serene views. He had an appreciation for nature and the peace it provided. It also wasn’t uncommon for him to go for a drive just to listen to music; Mac Miller a constant in his car. When needing to scratch the competitive itch that was once filled by soccer, Justin turned to disc golf where his natural athleticism was easily observed.
Simply put, Justin was fun. No matter where life took him, you could find Justin with a smile. It could be the corniest thing in the world that others would be “too cool” for, but never Justin, he never took himself too seriously. He found a way to make every situation fun, attacked it with joy and just generally understood how his positivity and spirit would lift those around him. This is no more evident than in stories from those who worked with Justin, no matter the workplace his dance moves preceded him. Essential in the boiler room that a professional kitchen can be, Justin provided the heart, joy and zest for life.
Justin is predeceased by his grandfather, Jerry Johnson and beloved dog Libby. He is survived by his parents; his younger sister, Lyndsey (Michael VanDam); his grandparents, Diz and Dianne Dalzell, Rich and Sylvia Rice, and Daphne Johnson; his uncles, Todd (Phyllis), Daisy (Lauren) Dalzell, Corey (Kat) Scheck; his aunt, Jennifer (Drea) Hayeslip; cousins, Kendall, Keegan, and Dahlia Dalzell, Alli, Maggie, and Evelyn Scheck, Brenden Carr and Hunter Burns.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be Prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, MI.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23 with the family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m., also at the Martinson Funeral Home. Pastor Andrew Clark, Bayview Church will officiate.
After the funeral service, burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Suttons Bay. Father Leonard Paul, St. Michael’s Church will officiate.
The service can be viewed via ZOOM at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4299831981?pwd=TThuSU1ZUytCNG1qR0FPS1RXZmZaZz09
Meeting ID: 429 983 1981 and with Passcode: Dalzell
All are welcome. The family has asked those attending the funeral service to wear bright colors (Justin’s favorite was bright green) to celebrate the colorful and unique individual Justin was.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Grand Traverse County, at P.O. Box 6932, Traverse City, MI 49686.