SAGINAW — Joseph John Mroz, 79, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, at St. Mary's of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw. Joseph was born on April 26, 1935, to the late Joseph and Jane Mroz in Detroit. He entered into marriage with the former Jeanette L. (Dickerson) Mroz on June 4, 1963.
Joseph honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War era.
Joseph was Scout Master of Troop 412 in Detroit. He worked at Wieden Corp. then moved on to Lead Screw in Traverse City as shop supervisor. Prior to that he worked for Detroit D.P.W. and also had his own tree removal company that he worked every weekend to provide for three natural and six stepchildren. In later years he worked at the Traverse City airport.
Joseph was an avid fisherman, enjoyed golfing and loved playing his clarinet. He was a great scale ship model builder. The museums in the Soo Locks and naval yard in South Carolina would take ships on loan for display. He was also featured in Scale Ship Modeler Magazine numerous times. Joseph was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Traverse City.
Joseph took care of his mother for the last five-and-a-half years of her life.
Joseph always found time for family vacation, campouts and fishing trips when his children were younger.
Joseph is survived by his sons, Joseph (Coleen) T. Mroz and Steven M. Mroz; daughter, Kimberly Thomas; stepchildren, David (Pam) Dickerson and Diane (Dan) Steenhagen; brother, John (Carol) Mroz; grandchildren, Joseph E. Mroz., Jacob T. Mroz, Ryan Soye, RJ Soye, Stephanie and Tarra Mroz; step-grandchildren, Thomas and Johnathon Dickerson, Ryan and Eric, Lisa and Leslie Steenhagen; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jane Mroz; and stepfather, Albert Nykiel.
Visitation for friends and family will be held Monday, Oct. 20, 2014, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 1:30 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Robert Zagore will officiate.
Graveside committal services will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Joseph's family at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.