Rock, MI
Joe Kodanko, age 92, of 17502 Hwy M-35, Rock, passed away Sunday April 26, 2015 at the Marquette General Hospital in Marquette.
Joe was born January 28, 1923 in Escanaba, MI the son of Joseph and Lena (Guntley) Cooper Kodanko Sr. He was raised in McFarland where he helped his family run the General Store and Post Office.
Joe served his country in the U.S. Navy during WW II from 1944 to 1946. He was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon and European African Middle East Area Ribbon. Last week he was honored by attending the U.P. Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Joe was united in marriage to the former Celia Lusardi Englund on June 23, 1972. Joe worked for the D.N.R. retiring in 1986. He also was a volunteer fire fighter for the Tri-Township Fire Department of which he also served on the Board. Joe also was a Trustee for Turin Township for 26 years. He was a member of the Gwinn V.F.W. Post #5670.
Joe enjoyed watching television, going for rides and having toast at Mary & Red
Jeff Wenstrand St - Sands, Mi
I’m sorry Joe passed before I had the chance to see him again. I was his RSVP driver the last year, he called Jeffie. I laughed every time he called me that, didn’t bother me. I’ll miss our talks we had all the time. He was a great friend. I’ll miss him very much. Good bye Joe, I know you enjoyed your last ride.
Laurie Van Damme - Gwinn, MI
It was my pleasure to have gotten to know Joe, he was so nice to chat to. His going on the Honor Flight was amazing for me to watch and see him and even char for a minute, Rest in peace Joe.
Amber - Gwinn, MI
Joe got my heart from the first time I saw him! One time I went to visit him and he made the biggest lunch and shared many good pictures with me.. it is a memory I hold dear!! He will be in my heart for the rest of my life and I will never forget his precious face and the special way he made me feel!!! Rest in the Peace of the Lord Joe, until we meet again!!!
William Cook
It was with a very heavy heart I Learned of the peaceful passing of my wonderful cousin, Joe, on Sunday.
I am so tremendously blessed and honored to have accompanied him just four days before as he took part in the UP Honor Flight to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. He could not have been happier that day–in fact he was overjoyed, giving everyone a beaming smile and a thumbs up.
The bus he and the other veterans arrived in was given a presidential police motorcyle escort from the airport and upon exiting the bus at the WWII Memorial, a large crowd of well wishers gave them a standing ovation and cheers plus they all shook hands while thanking the old vets for their service. Joe told us of his military exploits and could not have been prouder as we took him all around the memorial grounds showing him our nation’s tribute to his and all the other vet’s sacrifices.
He particularly wanted to see the Vietnam Memorial to honor Stanley Englund who lost his leg in that war. He also was in awe as he gazed upon the statue of Lincoln when we toured that president’s monument.
We knew his health had been on the decline these past few months but thought and hoped we’d have him with us a while longer. His family and many friends know what a singularly wonderful man he was and his trip to see the memorial was a capstone to his long, incredible life and his last great adventure.
He was very much loved and thankfully, he knew it, right up to his last breath. Joe, you old warrior, we will miss you. You now belong to the ages.
LA - NONE, 0
Thanks for your service to our country. RIP.
Marnell Thompson (Patrick)
I have known Joe my whole life (& Celia too). I am Mary & Red’s granddaughter, so I grew up at their restaurant, seeing them everyday. I have so many fond memories of sitting in the booth with Joe & Celia, with an Oriental Trading catalog. We would each circle things & place a “pretend order.” We would seal the order in the envelope & place it in the mailbox inside the restaurant. It is a memory that Joe & I talked about often, years later. He would tell me how much he enjoyed those times, as did I. I miss Joe already. But I am happy knowing that he is finally reunited with Celia. You are all in my thoughts &
I send you my love.
Jack Lockwood - Gladstone, MI
I have fond memories working with Joe.
bonnie johnston
This is for my late husband, John Johnston, who worked with Joe at the DNR years ago. I heard Joe’s name many times, always with a smile and good memories. I am so happy that he was able to go on the Honor Flight. It’s a wonderful, much deserved tribute to guys like Joe!It’s a wonderful blessing to have family members who people only have good things to say about!!!!
God’s speial blessings on your family!
Bonne Johnston and family
Kay and Thad Countryman - Marquette, MI
I worked with Joe over the years when he worked out of the Gwinn Office. Would see him and Celia from time to time at Mary and Red’s in Rock. They were devoted to one another. Last summer he was still out mowing his lawn as the Gwinn crew drove by to work on a road project. One of the truly good guys.