The Detroit Tigers lost a dedicated fan when Joseph Paul Fifelski died Friday, Sept. 25, in his home. He was 61.
The son of Valentine and Rose (Pattok) Fifelski, Joe was born on Nov. 7, 1953, in Allegan. He grew up in a loving family with two sisters and two brothers.
After graduating from Wayland Union High School Joe worked two jobs his entire life. From laying brick and block and working at area farms he went on to be a farrier while working full time for Blackmer Pump for nearly 35 years before retiring due to with cancer.
Joe was an avid horseman and spent countless hours breaking and riding horses. He and wife Kristine loved traveling with the horses to trail ride with friends. Joe also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family.
Surviving are his wife, Kristine (Huffman); daughters, Amber (Ben) Ingraham, and Rebecca Fifelski; step-daughter, Allison Owen; grandchildren, Bailey and Ayden; sister, Mary Kinnane; brothers, Jim (Angel) Erdmans and Leo (Nyla) Fifelski; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jo Ann (Don) Drayton.
A memorial Mass will be at 11on a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St., Wayland, with Father Christian Johnston officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service with a luncheon following at the VFW Hall, 735 S. Main St. in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.
I knew Joe – big, fun loving guy – he was a great schoolmate. May God have mercy on his soul and his family be comforted by their memories of Joe.