Joseph Paul Skoviak, 78, of Ontonagon, MI was called home to our Lord, Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 30, 2014.

Joseph (Joe) was born to Edward and Barbara (Iskra) Skoviak on May 2, 1936 in Painesdale, MI where he was raised and attended school. His family later moved to Ontonagon where he graduated from Ontonagon High School, class of 1954. Right out of high school, he began working at the White Pine Copper Mine until his retirement in 1996.

From 1960-1970, he was married to Judith Ann Wilso. During that era, they were blessed with 3 children; Edmund Lewis, Susan Marie and Joseph Alan.

In 1981, Joe met Rosemarie Hansen of Ewen, MI at a church meeting. They fell in love and one year from the day of their first date, July 23, 1982, they were united in marriage. They began their new life together in Ontonagon, MI. They shared a beautiful life together guided by their Lord, Jesus Christ.

As an active member of the Catholic Church in Ontonagon, he served as Eucharistic Minister, sang in the choir and volunteered at his time at St Vincent de Paul. Every weekend and most weekdays you would find him at the church. No matter how busy the day, there was always time set aside to read the bible. Joseph loved the outdoors. He was an avid skier and served on the ski patrol in the Porcupine Mountains. His love for skiing even took him on a European adventure to the slopes of the Swiss Alps. He also enjoyed yearly deer hunting and weekly saunas with family and growing a large garden every year. With an inquisitive mind, strong determination, a lot of patience and self-taught skills, he would master any task that he set out to do, including building 2 houses and modifications to another. He was a great provider. He was patient, compassionate, caring and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His selfless character was a pure reflection of God.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Marie Skoviak; children Edmund Skoviak of Windsor Locks, CT, Joseph A. Skoviak of Piney Point, MD, Susan Skoviak (Isreal Llamas) of Allen, TX; Greg (Carla) Hansen of Paso Robles, CA, Ron (Sharon) Hansen of Shakopee, MN, Linda (Chris) Annala of Long Beach, CA and Renee (Mark) Harper of Cocolalla, ID; grandchildren Robert & Heather Bergeron, Mercedes Floyd & Savannah Skoviak, Shaleia Skoviak & Jesse Llamas, Ashley Hansen, Ellery & Severin Hansen, Amy & Kelly Annala, Dakota & Scarlett Harper. Joseph is also survived by his brother Ed, and sisters Connie, Carol, Virginia and Barbara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Barbara (Iskra) Skoviak and sister, Catherine.

The family will receive visitors at Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon on Sunday evening, November 2nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Sunday evening. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday, November 3rd at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Michael Jacobus officiating. Friends may call at the church 1 hour prior to the start of the Mass. A celebration of Joseph's life will be held in the church basement following the services. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen, MI.