Joseph J. Smith

Joseph J. Smith, 94, of Rogers City passed away peacefully at Evergreen AFC Home January 25, 2017. He was born March 2, 1922 in Rogers City to Leo and Susan (Gapczynski) Smith.

Following eighth-grade graduation, he took a job doing concrete work with Harry Pauly then went sailing for several years.
On August 14, 1943 he married Lillian Chrzan at St. Casimir Catholic Church. Joe worked for the Presque Isle County Road Commission for many years as a snowplow and grader operator. His final employment was with Michigan Limestone Operations as a locomotive diesel mechanic. Joe was a dedicated member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1705 of Rogers City and a proud member of the
Rogers City Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Dad’s Post.

Mr. Smith is survived by two sons, Donald (Jacqueline) Smith of Rogers City and Gerald (Melody) Smith of
Harbor Beach; a daughter, Mary (Joseph) Holzer of Fenton; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; parents, Leo and Susan; stepfather, Leo Krajniak; and brother, Edward.

Visitation was at the Beck Funeral Home Friday, January 27,  where the rosary was followed by the Rogers City

VFW Post 607 offering recognition for Joe’s past presidency of the Dad’s post. Following that service, the Rev. Sylvestre conducted the parish wake service. Visitation resumed Saturday at St. Ignatius Catholic Church until time of Mass with the Rev. Sylvestre Obwaka officiating.
Interment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in the spring next to his dear wife Lillian.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Catholic Church, St. Ignatius Catholic School or Hospice of the Sunrise Shore in memory of Joseph Smith.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.