Joseph Daniel Potinsky

DULUTH, Minn. - Joseph Daniel Potinsky, 68, of Ironwood, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 19, 2019, in Duluth.

Joseph was born on June 7, 1951, to the late Betty (Zack) and Joe Potinsky, in Ironwood. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1969. 

On April 8, 1972, he was married to Loreli (Suzik). Together, they spent several years of adventure, travel and making numerous amazing memories that will forever be cherished.

Joseph retired after 28 years of dedicated work at Bessemer Plywood. He enjoyed his career as a supervisor and took great pride in his job.

Joseph had many hobbies. He loved to motorcycle and took many trips out west with family and friends. He and Loreli spent many summers traveling the mountains of Colorado. He also was an avid bicyclist and was able to spend this past summer on the roads and trails of his hometown, biking over 800 miles just since June. He was also a talented woodworker and created many projects that will be in the family for years. 

Joseph loved people. Whether on a morning stroll at the beach, a bike ride on the trails or a walk in the snow, he always said hello to anyone he came across. He made many friends, no matter where he was. Joseph also loved to pay it forward with many random acts of kindness, whether it be paying for breakfast or buying someone a coffee on any given day. One of his favorites was giving out $2 bills to complete strangers, just to see them smile. Joseph lived every day to his fullest, often telling those he loved to do the same.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Loreli; a son, Chad (Shelly) of Allendale, Mich .; and a daughter, Cassie (Corey) Smith of Hampshire, Ill .; four grandchildren, Ethan (18) and Evan (14) Potinsky, and Adalynn (11) and Lydia (10) Smith, whom he loved more than life itself. He loved taking them on vacations, spending time with them and giving them advice that they will forever remember. Also surviving are a sister, Linda (Mike) Magdziak, Ironwood; brothers-in-law, Jerome (Ginger) Suzik, Bessemer, Mich., Jordan Hein, Ironwood, and Joseph Soltis, Hartford, Wis .; and numerous nieces, nephews and several close friends, who will always remember his big, bright smile and contagious laugh.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Betty; sisters, Betty (Soltis) and Sandy (Hein); and a brother, Tom.

Out of respect for Joseph's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In honor of Joseph's life, please hug those around you tightly and live each day as if it may be your last.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.