Joseph Steven Moskwa

ONTONAGON, Mich. - Joseph Steven Moskwa, 88, of Ontonagon and Red Wing, Minn., passed peacefully Saturday, May 19, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn., following a brief illness.

He was born July 26, 1929, to Joseph and Sophie (Mazurek) in Ontonagon, the oldest son of three siblings, Helen (Drew) and John Moskwa. His youth was spent living in Ontonagon and he attended OHS, graduating in 1947. He especially enjoyed his athletic competitions in football and track and continued to support the local sports booster clubs through his adult years. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan during the Korean conflict. Upon conclusion of his military service, he returned to Ontonagon and worked construction in the area.

He met and married Betty Johnson, May 8, 1954, and raised a family of six.

Joe and Betty greatly enjoyed their family and friends in the neighborhood. An annual vegetable garden was enjoyed by all, with fishing and sporting activities each season of the year. Joe was also active in local politics, serving 46 years in various positions in community and county government.

He is survived by five of his children and their families, Steven and Patti Ann, of Mackinac Island; Jim, of Ann Arbor; Debra, of Three Rivers; Rick and Michele, of Red Wing, Minn .; Dan and Nicole, of Goffstown, N.H., and nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John Moskwa, of Dundee, and close friend, Helen Toivenen, of Mass City.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Moskwa was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Betty; his daughter, Linda, and sister, Helen Drew.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon, with visitation prior to the service at 10 a.m.. A graveside service will follow and a luncheon at the Holy Family Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Ontonagon, and Faith in Action, of Red Wing, Minn.

To view Joe's obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock, is assisting the family with arrangements.