Joseph J. Ivacko

Joe was born on May 23, 1924, to Jacob and Caroline (Sut) Ivacko in Kingsford, where he was a lifelong resident.

After graduating from Kingsford High School in 1943 he spent some time helping to build the American Martyrs Church. Joe joined the Army in the fall of 1943 and was a proud veteran, having served his country overseas in England, France and Germany during WWII with the 654th Tank Destroyers Battalion.

He earned five Bronze Battle Stars and two Overseas Service Bars, and was later granted a trip with the U.P. Honor Flight to recognize his service.

In August 1948, Joe married the love of his life, Carmeline Ganga, in Iron Mountain. The two shared 71 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised three children and shared the joy of six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In 1984, Joe retired after many years at Clairmont Transfer Company. He immediately built a camp and spent much of his time there, always making sure to cut the grass and take care of snow removal on his own for as long as he could. He loved his time there hunting and fishing. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by two sisters, Anne Anderson and Ruby Powers.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carmeline; sons, Jon (Linda) Ivacko of Vulcan and Jim Ivacko of Pembine, Wis.; daughter, Carol (Dale) Larson of Iron Mountain; grandchildren, Joe Ivacko, Felicia (Tim) Sayer, Brian Ivacko, Carrie (Brett) Gerner, Carlene Cecelio and Abby (Sam) Smith; great-grandchildren, Auna, James and Gracie Ivacko, Keith and Kaylee Johnson, Brianna Jarvis, Madeline and Ava Cecilio, and Collin and Courtney Smith.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the Kingsford Funeral Home, followed by a Memorial Mass at American Martyrs at 11 a.m. Fr. Joseph Gouin will officiate.

Burial will be in Dickinson County Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joseph Ivacko online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.