Joseph P. Stefanko

STEFANKO, Joseph – of Flushing, age 96, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Genesys Convalescent Center. Born in 1917, Joseph Paul Stefanko lived a long and fruitful life. He was born into a Hungarian family of 5 boys. The family moved from Indianapolis to Flint where his father found work at the Buick Foundry. They lived on Easy Street in a Hungarian community centered around St. Joseph Parish. Joseph grew up and married Elizabeth Tugya. They were married in 1939 and were about to celebrate their 75th anniversary. Joseph lived and helped work on the family farm until he entered the US Navy near the end of WWII. Joseph spent most of his working life in the trucking business, finishing his career with General Motors. Upon retirement, Joseph and Elizabeth took the trip of their dreams – an Alaskan Cruise. Joseph was a man who loved nature and who enjoyed hunting and gardening. Throughout his life he was sustained by a strong will, a close family, and a deep faith in God. Joseph is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth; children, Joseph (Denise) and Margaret (Gerald) Jellis; 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers. Funeral Mass will be held 10:30AM Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 310 N Cherry St, Flushing, Father Roy Horning officiating. Entombment follows at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00PM Monday at Reigle Funeral Home, 5501 W Pierson Rd, Flushing, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00PM Monday. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Robert Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared at www.reiglefuneral home.com