Joseph Michael Svoboda, age 54, of Gladstone passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the U.P. Health System in Marquette.
Joe was born July 26, 1964 in Ishpeming, Michigan. He was raised by John and Vina (Wils) Svoboda and graduated from Rapid River high School in 1982. He worked for Rapid River Rustic for 35 years. While working there he appeared on an episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe that aired in February of 2011. Joe enjoyed spending time on the Wils family farm in Perkins and was a good gardener. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowshoeing and four wheeling with his son, Montana and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
Joe is survived by his sons, Montana Svoboda of East Lansing, MI and Dakota Kinley of Ishpeming, MI and his special friend, Wendy.
He was preceded in death by his parents and maternal grandparents, Lawrence “Si” and Cleo Wils.
A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Friday, September 21 at 5:30 PM at the Dutch Mill in Rapid River.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Tim Johnson - Chicago, IL
Thank you for making my growing up in Rapid that much better Joe. Although we lost touch as we got older, I thought of our formative years often (and shared them with my kids as they grew up). I’m sorry we never reconnected over the years.
The world was a better place with you in it my friend. Rest in peace Joe.
Aunt Pam and Uncle John Wils - Rapid River, MI
God Rest Joey! Forever in our hearts!
All Saints Catholic Church will have a Memorial Mass for Joey on Sat. March 9, 2019 at 4:30 pm.
Laurie J Kaufman - Gladstone, MI
Joe was a good friend and neighbor for many years. Every spring he would till my dad’s garden so he could plant his tomatoes. He was always available to my mom for whatever she needed. He was always generous with the rhubarb, pears, raspberries, and blackberries from his garden. He will be greatly missed.
Laurie Kaufman Luis de la Garza