Obituary: Joseph S. Plesha

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Joseph S. Plesha, 70 of Hurontown, Michigan passed away on September 28, 2023, at UP Health System-Marquette following a brief illness. He was born on October 7, 1952, in Hancock, MI to Joseph and Verna Plesha. He married Linda Puska in 1975.

Joe graduated from Jeffers High School in 1970. He joined the U.S. Army and later the Army National Guard from 1972 until 1980, retiring from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1996 with the local Construction Battalion 25 SeaBees. Joe continued his education at Suomi College and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. He liked to keep busy and experienced many career paths throughout his life working at the White Pine Copper Mine, an EMT for Mercy Ambulance, Delta Air Lines, Somero Enterprises, Advance Auto Parts, and various area funeral homes with most recent years working for his dear friend of more than 40 years Mark Dennis of the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock, along with Jeff Dennis from the Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden. Joe was active with the Hurontown Fire Department for several years, and was a member of the American Legion where he attended biker meetings.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, great grandfather, brother, in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Joe enjoyed hunting and time at the hunting camp with his family in his younger years. He preferred to spend his retirement years riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and attending his grandchildren’s events where he was known to many as “Grandpa Joe”. His family was his greatest joy. He enjoyed helping family and friends in any way he could.

Preceding him in death are his mother Verna, his father Joseph, and beloved dog Casey. Joe is survived by his wife Linda (Puska) Plesha, his children Jeri (Matt) Freeman and Steve Plesha, sister Sandra (Bernie) Provencher, grandchildren Briana (Roi Jacques) Miller, Sofia Freeman, Gabe Freeman, great grandson Kian Jacques, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and close friends Ken Dulong, Bill Richard, and Broch Schnabel among many others.

A private visitation was held at O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home on October 3, 2023, and private graveside service and burial on October 6, 2023, at Mountain View Cemetery with Herbert Jarvi officiating and the Military Honors from the Copper Country Veteran’s Association.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. Please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com to leave online condolences for his family.