Joseph D. Gembolis

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Joseph D. Gembolis, 87, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1925, in Verona, the son of Anton and Helen (Sujek) Gembolis.  Joe graduated from Wakefield High School in 1944 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Navy.  He proudly served his country for two years in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged on March 20, 1946.

On Nov. 27, 1948, Joe was united in marriage with Dorothy E. Zuidmulder at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield.

He was employed by several iron ore mines and retired from White Pine Copper Co.

Joe was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 in Wakefield. 

He is survived by five children, Rosemary, Susan, Linda and James, all of Wakefield, and Joann (Melvin) Johnson, Robbinsdale, Minn .; a sister, Helen (Frank) Novito, Seattle, Wash .; many nieces and nephews; and other loving relatives.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Dorothy, on Nov. 14, 1985; a son, Joseph A., on Jan. 19, 1979; five brothers, Anton, Stanley, Frank, Clarence and Alex; and two sisters, Regina Gembolis and Martha Agostino.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Ben Hasse, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family.  Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.