Joseph Creed

He was born July 4, 1949, in Rochester, Minn., the sixth of nine children of Masie and Jack Creed, who moved to Iron Mountain in July 1953. He lost his constant companion and dear one year-older brother, John, at age 17 and “missed him every day” since.

Joe traveled the world as a journeyman high lineman electrical constructor, bringing electricity to places from the Mideast to hurricane and tornado ravaged areas of the U.S.A., and many other countries over many years. Later, he would direct crews in the staging areas, from across the U.S. who came to rebuilt power lines after disasters, as he could do that while sitting still, wearing his oxygen. Those who knew and loved him knew he always wanted to help.

He was an avid golfer and motorcyclist in the past. He was a huge NASCAR racing fan, and closely followed the Minnesota Vikings and the Packers. He also enjoyed going to camp and hunting with his buddy, Russell Johnson. In later times, he loved to go to camp if only to cut the lawn.

Joe cooked and cared for his mother with a smile for the six years preceding her death. He baked a scrumptious apple pie.

Pre-COVID-19, as well as very recently, he enthusiastically met his friends in the evenings to play pool.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Kelly Jo, her husband Chris Lunseth, and his granddaughters, Ella and Olivia, “the lights of his life,” from Negaunee.

Joe’s surviving sisters include: Theresa McNiff and children, Jack (Patsy), Joe (Janeen), Patrick (Molly), Peter (Julie), Paul (Nadine), Jerry (Sarah), Maureen (Adam) and Jim; Patricia (William) Dulan and children, Steven (Laurette) and Carrie (Alan); Kathleen (Dan) Harsch and children, Daniel (Kathy) and Patrick (Gina); Jean Frances (Mark) Berdinner and children, Cory (Rhonda) and Amy (Rob).

Joe is also survived by many grand-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by four siblings, John Anthony, age 18; Jeremiah Robert; Thomas Michael, survived by wife Suzanne and children, Michael (Lynn), Mark (Patricia) and Kathryn Cummings; and Elizabeth Ellen Holmquist, survived by husband, Gerald and children, Erin (Craig) and Sven (Melissa).

There will be a memory sharing gathering for Joe’s family and friends at the home of his sister at W4217 Lantz Road, near Norway Lake Park in Felch Township, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 10.

The gathering will be held outdoors. Participants may wish to bring their lawn chairs.