Joseph Lekatz

Joseph Lekatz, age 82 of Iron River, MI died Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his home in Bates Township. Born: March 9, 1926 in Bessemer Township, MI The son of the late Louis and Anna (Petrilic) Lekatz attended the Iron River schools, graduating in 1944. He then attended Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during WWII, serving in the Philippines and Japan as a member of the First Cavalry. Joseph married the former Elaine Kochinsky on June 2, 1948 at the Assumption Church in Iron River, and the couple made their home in Bates Township. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. He was employed by the M.A. Hanna Mining Company for over 33 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River where he served as an usher, and a former member of the Assumption Church. Joe was a member of the VFW Ottawa Post 3134, American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17, and the Iron River Elks Lodge #1671. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time in the woods and with his puppy Sasha. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Judy Lekatz, two brothers, Emil and John Lekatz and two sisters, Mary Johnson and Helen Castille. He is survived by his wife Elaine Two sons; Paul Lekatz of Iron River Joseph L. Lekatz of Iron River A special daughter, Aimee (John) Carter of Iron River Three sisters; Josephine Eldridge of Round Lake, IL Mildred Kulis of Naples, FL Ann Harper of Melrose Park, IL Three grandchildren Nieces and nephews Visitation: Friday, November 28, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River Funeral Service: Friday, November 28, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Iron River, with Rev. Norman Clisch, pastor, to offer the Mass of Christian Burial Interment: Bates Township Cemetery, Iron River The West Side Veteran Council will accord military rites at the graveside service in the spring. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.