Josephine K. “Josie” Kinkella

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died January 11, 2018

Josephine K. “Josie” Kinkella, age 98, of Gladstone, passed away Thursday morning, January 11, 2018, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.

Josie was born November 20, 1919, in Gladstone, the daughter of Fredrick
and Barbara (Frankovich) Kinkella. Josie was raised in Gladstone and
attended the Buckeye, All Saints and Gladstone schools. She went on to work
at Abbott Laboratories, in North Chicago, before enlisting in the WAC
(Women’s Army Corps) in 1943 where she served for 32 months in
Casablanca, North Africa. Following her honorable discharge, Josie attended
cosmetology school in Iron Mountain. She later worked for Marble Arms and
Marble Electric, which later became Eaton Corporation, retiring from Eaton
Corporation after 45 years of employment. Josie loved to dance, bowl, knit,
play cards and take an occasional trip to the casino.

Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Barbara:
Sisters: Florence DeSmet and Angela Gregorich
Brothers: Alfred Kinkella and Dr. Albert Kinkella
Sister in law: Evelyn Kinkella
Dear Friend: Tim Katarincic

Josie is survived by her 9 nieces and nephews, several cousins and her very
dear friend Ardy Katarincic.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday January 26, 2018, at 1:00PM, at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Josie will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in the Spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

14 Tributes for “Josephine K. “Josie” Kinkella”

    My dearest Josie, you will be so missed and most certainly never forgotten. You are loved by so many. Rest in peace now my sweet lady. God Bless.

    I was sorry to hear today that Auntie Jo had passed away. I know she is in heaven and surrounded by loving friends and family.
    Auntie Jo was a big part of my life growing up and I have many warm and loving memories.
    Auntie Jo and my mother Martha were lifetime best friends. She was the one who showed my mother how to make povitica (a Croatian walnut bread) and it became a Croatian tradition in our house every Christmas.
    As a young boy growing up whenever my Mom would mention Auntie Jo was coming over to visit, my brother Mark and I would get so excited! We knew that she would always have candy or Cracker Jacks for us. Every time!
    When the NFL first started broadcasting football games in color (1965 and later), Mom, Mark and I would go to Auntie Jo’s house on Sunday’s to watch the Green Bay Packers along with her and her Dad. During halftime Mark and I would go outside and play a short game of football in her backyard under the big pine trees.
    I will always have these memories and for that I am grateful.
    Jose was a very kind and considerate person and truly a great Aunt to us. She will be missed.

    Today I write with a Heavy Heart with the passing of my Auntie Jo. She was a wonderful woman loved by many. She had a heart as big as the heavens. I remember that from I was a young age . Her and my Mother were the best of friends, from the time she stood in my mothers wedding. I remember she was always there for birthdays and holidays and when it come to working on pasties or povitica with mom. If she was not at our home were at hers watching the Packers on week ends. and visiting for hours. Our family had a close and very personal relationship for many many years. She took it very hard with the passing of my mother. Even though her family all lived out of the area I learned a lot about them , her brother Al and nieces Toni and Sherri. I remember the days of sitting with her in the living room laughing about the good things. She had a big love for children and animals. Especially her daring poodle Noodles. I can only think that she my mother and here girlfriends are dancing in the heavens, as that was one of the things they loved to do in their younger years. As one of my closest Aunts the world has lost angle whom has left me with many life long memories. She will be sadly missed !

    I too want to honor the memory of my dear Auntie Jo. I loved her very much and have such vivid childhood memories of our yearly pilgrimage to the log house in Gladstone. She and my Grandpa were the ones we loved to visit and I’m sure they needed a few days to catch their breath after we left! If I close my eyes, I can picture every room of that house, along with the smell of the pine trees that populated their yard. Swimming in the Bay, and lots of outdoor playing with neighborhood kids were high on our list each and ever summer. My Auntie Jo had a tremendous amount of love in her heart and gave it to us fully every time we visited.
    As she said to me one time, I have had a wonderful life and have done lots of things, but if I leave tomorrow I will not regret a minute of it. What a way to think about one’s life eh? She was a very special person and one I will never ever forget.
    Rest in peace Auntie Jo, you will be missed.

    Josie was very special to us. She loved our visits at the Bishop Noa Nursing home.
    She always looked forward to us coming there. We love her dearly. She will always be on our mind and forever in our hearts.
    Heaven has gained one more angel.
    Barney and Jerri (Kinkella) Wainio

    Josie, your pain and suffering of the past few years are over, and you are now at peace with family and friends in a place without pain and suffering.
    As a child I will always remember going over to your house and thinking what a beautiful log home, with the big stone fireplace , and seeing your dad (Fred) sitting in his chair with his pipe. and you and my mother making the Christmas Croation bread–The good old days ! We will all cherish all the great memories !! Gladstone has lost a wonderful person, but not forgotten !!

    Aunt Josie will always have a special place in my heart. Growing up we spent two weeks every summer in Gladstone with Aunt Josie and Grandpa – these happy, loving memories will always be with me and my sisters and brothers. I am heartbroken – but consoled to know she is in heaven with my Dad and her family. I love you, Aunt Josie.

    My Aunt Josie was a wonderful Aunt with a Big heart an a sunny disposition. I have so many fond memories of her an Grandpa , when us kids would spend a week with them in the summer. She is gone from this earth, but will Never be forgotten. Love leaves more behind then death can ever take away. I Love an miss you, Aunt Josie.

    My dear friend Josie will be sadly missed I always look forward to going to the casino with her and when I would visit her at Bishop Noah she and I would always have a cold beer.

    26th January 2018

    Iam thinking of you this day of your mass. Even though I could not visit you, you enjoyed all my calls at Bishop Noa Nursing Home You were a special person and will be missed by everyone.
    Judy Kinkella Rompf

    January 26, 2018

    Thinking back at all of our visits with you at your home and calls at the nursing home.
    So many special memories. You will be missed!

    Wendell and Joette (Kinkella) Aasby

    We were neighbors down on 15th street. Josie was a special person . Very caring always. I was not aware of all her experiences in her life. She is remembered with love.

    what a sweet and loving lady! she cared so much for every single worker that cared for her. If you ever wanted candy she was the lady to visit… she loved giving goodies to everyone. She loved when people would bring kids and dogs to see her. I will miss her <3

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