Mr. Joseph J. Skocelas' Obituary
Mr. Joseph J. Skocelas, age 82, passed away Friday morning, May 17, 2013. He was born May 6, 1931 in Muskegon to Joseph and Mary (Baron) Skocelas. Mr. Skocelas was a Muskegon Heights High School graduate. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War. He worked as a printer for the Muskegon Chronicle for 36 years before retiring in 1986. He then went to work for Dyna Con, working an additional 8 years, before retiring in 1996. On October 16, 1954, he married the love of his life, Carolyn M. Bickowski in Muskegon and she preceded him in death on April 18, 2008. Mr. Skocelas enjoyed all aspects of polka music. He danced and listened to polkas, and also had a polka band with his brothers while growing up, The Skocelas Brothers Orchestra. He was a New York Yankee and Notre Dame Fan, and also enjoyed being with his grandchildren and supporting all of their activities. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. SURVIVORS include 4 children, Judge Joe (Nancy) Skocelas of Plainwell, John (Jill) Skocelas, Mary Ann (Ted) Tejchma, Sally (Pete) Pallas all of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren, Nick, Nate, Kate, Sarah, Paige, Megan, Brooke, Tom, John, Joe; 2 brothers, Edward (Pauline) Skocelas of Saginaw, Fritz (Jan) Skocelas of Muskegon; 2 sisters, Bea Stibitz of Muskegon, Anna Meister of Jenison; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Kruzel. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr.Philip P. Salmonowicz presiding. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with the family will be from 5-8 PM Monday at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565, with the Rosary prayed at 5:00 PM. MEMORIALS to the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation or the American Heart Association will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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