Joseph Matthew Belzek

  Joseph Belzek, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, at his home in East Jordan, MI with family.

Joseph was born on February 3, 1931 in East Jordan, MI to the late Stephen and Anna Belzek. 

  He left his home in East Jordan to serve in the US Army from 1952-1954 and spoke frequently of his time in the military as a medic, dental technician and he was one of many that participated in the first Atomic Bomb airdrop located in Nevada in 1953. Once out of the military he made his way to Chicago.

  On October 3, 1959, he married his sweetheart of 59 years, the late Coleda (Talley) Belzek in Schiller Park, IL. Joseph and Coleda resided in Chicago, IL for 42 years while raising their three children and building their life together.

  Joseph was employed at Ideal Carbide Die in 1954 where he retired in 2001 after 47 years of service as the company's General Manager. After retirement he and his bride moved back to his hometown in East Jordan, MI. 

  Most people in the area soon came to see him throughout the summers riding his Farmall tractor, handed down from his dad, while preparing and maintaining  his gardens. He took such pleasure from working the land and producing much bounty. He set up a roadside vegetable stand and gave his vegetables away to whomever wanted or needed fresh produce. The stand was simple, unattended and had a donation jar.  Some folks in the area referred to him as Farmer Joe. They would stop for veggies and stay for the conversation. He also enjoyed lending a helping hand to anyone in need, golfing and working the golf tournaments and enjoyed friendships with the many people, old and new, that he retained throughout his years. He was a gentle, humble, hardworking man that always had a smile, and a wonderful sense of humor. 

  Joseph is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Lurgio of East Jordan, MI and Janet Lederer (Scott Langer) of Port Orange, FL; five grandchildren, Jamie (Alyssa) Belzek, Amanda Lederer, Victor (Becky) Belzek, II, Elizabeth Belzek and Nicole (Craig) Laidlaw; eleven great grandchildren; one sister, Stephanie Guzniczak (late William) of Boyne City, MI.; one brother-in-law Charles (Lorraine) Talley of Rockford, IL; Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Victor A. Belzek; sister Florence (late Frank) Chromitz and brother's Stanley (late Adeline) Belzek, Felix (late Bernadette) Belzek, Frank Belzek. 

  The family will receive friends on Monday, January 2nd, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan. A rosary service will be held on Monday evening at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, East Jordan with a luncheon to follow at St. Joseph's Church. Joseph will be laid to rest in the spring (date not yet determined) at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery in East Jordan on M-32.
 

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