Joseph James Jurasin

BESSEMER, Mich. - Joseph James Jurasin, 91, of Bessemer, died peacefully surrounded by family in the early hours of the morning on Jan. 7, 2024.

He was born on Sept. 7, 1932, the son of Joseph and Julia (Serbin) Jurasin, and grew up with his eight siblings. Joseph attended St. Sebastian Catholic Elementary School and graduated from A.D. Johnston Senior High School in 1951 in Bessemer. He continued his education, and graduated from Northern Michigan University.

Joseph Jurasin married the love of his life, Margaret (Miskovich) Jurasin, on August 27, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. They remained happily married for 56 years. Margie and Joe were blessed with two sons, Joey and Bobby. His long life led him to work many jobs, such as a delivery boy for Kelto & Velin Grocers, an iron ore miner and industrial arts/driver's education teacher for thirty-three years.

Woodworking was Joe's career, as well as his lifelong passion. He would spend long hours in his shop, creating furniture for his home and the homes of his loved ones: cribbage boards, wooden utensils, and intricately carved birds. Outside the wood-shop, he would work in his garden and travel, visiting forty-eight states with his family. Joe also enjoyed sitting in the sun and sipping near-black coffee with a healthy spoonful of sugar. His philosophy was: "If it's sweet, I like it."

Joe was a dedicated brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and provider. He will be dearly missed.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, John, Frank, Michael and Steve; and four sisters, Fran, Mary, Helen and Virginia; and his wife.

He is survived by his two sons, Bob (Carrie) Jurasin of Marquette, and Joe (Kathy) Jurasin of Forest Lake, Mnnesota; seven grandchildren, Bobby, Katie, Dylan, Kelsie, Wyatt, J.T. and Dorianna; and six great-grandchildren, Harvey, Cecelia, Sutton, Viviana, Oliver and Levi; as well as by many adoring nieces and nephews.

Pall bearers will be Brian Miskovich, Brian Bennetts, Bob Jurasin Jr., Dylan Jurasin, Wyatt Jurasin and JT Jurasin.

A visitation is planned for Jan. 16 at 10:30 a.m., with a service to follow at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Wakefield.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Joseph's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.