Joseph E. Koszka

November 6, 1923 - February 23, 2014

Joseph E. Koszka of Cadillac formerly of Tecumseh passed away Sunday evening, February 23, 2014 at Green Acres Retirement Living in Cadillac. He was born on November 6, 1923 in Harvey, Illinois to Joseph & Agatia (Trutsa) Koszka. In 1947 he married the former Pamela B. Benton and she preceded him in death in 1979. He later married Patricia (Ely) Hammack and she preceded him in death in 2007. Joseph graduated from Thorton High School in Harvey, Illinois and went on to the University of Chicago for a short time before being called to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II where he received two Purple Hearts. He returned from the war and went to the University of Arizona and received his Bachelor's degree in business administration. Joseph began his career working at Rheem Manufacturing in the Detroit area where he worked for a short time before he started Bradematics in Birmingham, Michigan, his own company for 5 years. He then started Anderson Development Company with his friend Andy Anderson in Adrian, Michigan in the late 1960's and worked there until 1989 when he became a consultant for the company and retired in 1995. Mr. Koszka enjoyed watching and betting on horse racing, family visits, traveling and was a member of the American Legion Post #94 in Cadillac. Survivors include his children: Kathleen (Tom) Gray of Cadillac and Kevin (Barb) Koszka of Pittsburgh, PA; step-children: Jeff Ely of Virginia, Pamela Ely of Florida, John (Angie) Ely and Susan (Rodney) Turner all of Tecumseh; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; 3 loving nieces and many grandnieces and grandnephews and many friends in Cadillac. In addition to his parents and his spouses he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kayleen Skinner and 2 sisters: Mary Grubbs and Helen Basco. Memorial services will take place at a later date. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church Music Program or to the Patricia & Joseph Koszka Memorial Scholarship fund c/o Lenawee County Education Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.