Joseph J. Vargovich

Joseph J. Vargovich, age 80, of Gaastra, MI, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home.  He was born on April 14, 1938 in Ironwood, MI; the son of the late John and Kathleen (Sharrard) Vargovich. He attended the Iron River Schools. Joseph served his country in the Michigan Army National Guard from 1955 to 1958.  Joseph married Lois Clements on June 20, 1959 in Gaastra, where they couple made their home. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 2014. Lois preceded him in death on October 5, 2014.  He was employed as the manager at Pentoga Park on Chicaugoan Lake for 15 years. Joseph was also a foreman at the mine in White Pine, MI and the City Manager of Gaastra for a time. He loved working in his garden and also enjoyed hunting, fishing with grandson, Joe Pollock, attending basketball and football games with his granddaughter, Ericka Cunningham and great granddaughter, Courtney Vargovich, and trips to the casino. Joseph is survived by daughters, Renee (Larry) Graves and Vicky Vargovich, both of Gaastra, and Sheila (Mike) Nantelle of Escanaba, MI; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Dale (Sue) Clements of Gaastra; sisters-in-law, Noreen Hansen and Denise (David) Roberts, both of Gaastra; nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by five brothers, one sister, and two great grandchildren.  A Memorial service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River with Rev. James Pellizzer to officiate.  Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph J. Vargovich, please visit our flower store.