Joseph Anthony Stefanka, age 85, of rural Van Buren, died at 6:17 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at
Blanchard Valley Hospital.
He was born on April 15, 1924, in Muril, MI to the late Steve J. and Marie (Kuban) Stefanka. On November
21, 1959, Joseph married Mary Jeanette Hosley and she survives.
He is also survived by three children, Paul A. (Cara) Stefanka of Cygnet, Robert A. (Kim) Stefanka of
North Baltimore, and Anna Marie (Walter, Jr.) Chambers of Van Buren; four sisters, Marian Gazarek of
North Baltimore; Katherine Kale of Bowling Green; Irene Rider and Margaret McGrain, both of North
Baltimore; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Stephen and Rudolph Stefanka.
He retired in 1986 from Norbalt Rubber after 35 years of service. After retirement he continued as a
consultant for Norbalt for 15 years.
A member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society, he was a volunteer for the St. Vincent
de Paul Society, and was a farmer.
Joseph was a very loving father and husband. He was also the inventor of the Ice Boat.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at SMITH-CRATES
FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore, where the prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2009, at Holy Family Catholic
Church, North Baltimore with Fr. Ray Ensman officiating. Burial will follow in New Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Joseph to the Holy Family Catholic Church.
Condolences can be sent via www.coldrencrates.com.