Joseph A. "Joe" Markovich

Joseph A. Markovich
July 11, 1942 — August 8, 2014

Though it may be urban legend, it's believed Joseph "Joe" "Jo Jo" Markovich entered this world on July 11, 1942 with a giant grin on his face and a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. For those who knew him, this would come as no surprise. The eldest son of Joseph Markovich Sr. and Annabelle (Pollack), Joe was born in Battle Creek and remained loyal to his roots throughout his life. He was proud to grow up in the "Old Neighborhood"—aka 3rd street—where his Croatian relatives lived side by side and taught him to treasure his heritage and value his family. Joe was a permanent fixture at his parents' grocery store, J & S Grocery, where neighbors were always greeted with a smile. A graduate of St. Philip High School in 1961, three years later on February 8, 1964, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Judy Magers. This past February, Judy and Joe celebrated their 50th anniversary. Joe was a Sheet Metal Mechanic at the Kellogg Company, where he was employed for 36 years.

Though Joe would appreciate these details, what he would really want you to know is that his love for his family was immeasurable. He was his wife's biggest fan and his four daughters were his. His 10 grandkids nearly created the football team he dreamed of and his brother, Garry, meant the world to him. His extended family and friends know that they, too, forever had a piece of his heart.

What we, his family, would want you to know is that he was a phenomenal man. He was a "character" as some have said; a man who never failed to make you smile. He was loyal in every sense of the word and cherished every friend he had ever made. He was creative, smart and an artist at heart. He was one helluva cook; known for his homemade pizzas and famous gin and tonics. He told great jokes, but also terrible ones that only made him laugh. His favorite vehicle was his tractor and his most legendary scare tacit was having his shotgun next to him when his daughters decided to introduce their boyfriends. His four sons-in-laws love him and that, in and of itself, speaks volumes.

Joe was a fighter who dealt with his heart condition of 18 years with strength, grace and humor. If ever there was a moment he was scared, he wasn't afraid to show it, because he was genuine in every sense of the word and lived life authentically. Our dad marveled in the simplicity of life, believed mountains were miraculous and that nature was heaven. He taught us that life is beautiful and that we're nothing without each other. Though we are ridiculously biased, we simply think he was the best and believe no one will ever take his place. For all of that and more, we will miss him tremendously.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Renucci House at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids or The Wounded Warriors. A Mass will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014, followed by a party in Joe's honor at one of his favorite places on earth. Further details given at the service. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com