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Joseph Jacob Svoke

Joseph Svoke Obituary

Joseph Jacob Svoke Battle Creek Joseph Jacob Svoke, 95, died Sunday, July 5, 2009 at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility surrounded by his family. He was born December 24, 1913, the son of Jacob and Celia (Dragish) Svoke in Ironwood, Michigan. Following graduation from Ironwood High School in 1931, Joe served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He joined the Ironwood Police Department from 1937 until 1939 when he joined the Michigan State Police. During his distinguished police career, Joe was stationed at White Pigeon, East Tawas, Gladstone, Gaylord, and Mt. Pleasant, retiring in 1965 as Post Commander in Battle Creek. Upon his retirement from the State Police, he was employed with the City of Battle Creek from 1965 to 1975 as Street Superintendent. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for over 50 years and a member and past president of the Battle Creek Exchange Club. Joe enjoyed spending time up north at his "Camp"; hunting, fishing and walking in the woods. He was known for his woodworking skills and took great pride in his workshop. On August 8, 1942 he was united in marriage to Annette (Dillon), who survives. Also surviving is his sister-in-law: Estelle Svoke of Ironwood; seven children: Joseph A. (Rachel) Svoke of Farmington Hills, Annette M. (Larry) Mack of Battle Creek, Bonnie Lee (Anan) Kauffman of Tekonsha, Maryjane (Robert) Cipcic of Battle Creek, Patricia Ann Gallagher (John) Wooten of Battle Creek, Carol L. (Alan) Smith of Kalamazoo and Jean Marie (David) Weber of Homer; eighteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. His parents, brother: Albert Svoke and two sisters: Bonita Drabanski and Rose Marie Dulimba preceded him in death. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Father Joseph Xavier officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility or St. Joseph Catholic Church Legion of Mary.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Svoke

24 Entries

Michelle Beronja-Wilkins

July 17, 2009

Jeannie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy are with you. Michelle (Beronja) Wilkins

Steve Berner

July 17, 2009

Jeannie, I have fond memories of your Dad, He was a good man. we'll keep you in our prayers thru this diffcult time.

our Love to you all
Steve & Misty Berner & family

July 16, 2009

Jean,
Sorry I missed your dads notice, I have lost both parents and truely know the pain! I was at a funeral for a1980 class mate when this happened and missed your dads obituary...happened to catch Steve Berners note on face book.and googled your dad in hopes to get in touch with you Hope you are ok you are in my prayers!!. Barb Garvin Mulder

Jeanie Lemon

July 13, 2009

Annette and Family,

Joe was so special, I know all to well how hard this time is and will keep you all in my prayers. I would often help Joe to his room and loved to see the picture of him in uniform what a great guy. I did not get to know Joe till CCM but he was so funny at times he could really brighten my day. You guys have such a great family so supportive. I will miss seeing him when I come up to visit. God Bless You All

Karen Hammond

July 10, 2009

Annette and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Joe's passing. We recall of the love of life he had in him. We will keep you in our prayers.
Maurine Bain and family

mark, pam, hoot & families

July 10, 2009

our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We know that there is a big empty place in your lives, but he has left of piece of himself behind in each one of you....and so many others! Enjoy sharing those special memories with each other.
Love ya

Courtney Mack

July 9, 2009

I will always remeber coming to visit him at the nursing,home. And i loved coming to see him every CHRISTMAS he was always sooooo funny around me and he loved minute of it! HE was always a pleasure to be around.And there will always remain a place for him in my heart.(i hope all the family can hang in there ) he was a awesome great grandpa

Dick& Sandra Ulasich

July 9, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jonn Bland

July 9, 2009

I am terribly sorry for your loss, he will be missed

Sherry Risner

July 8, 2009

Svoke Family,

I am sorry for your loss, now it is time to hold on to the great memories you have of Joe, I have had the pleasure of working with Joe at CCMCF for a short time, I can only imagine what kinda of man he was, I still get to hear all about him and how wonderful he was thru his family and I am so very greatful of that, it makes my day to know how caring and dedicated his family is, and I still have Annette to care for and love and I thank God for that everyday, your family has been like a second family to me, and I wish you all the best and I will always keep you in my prayers. Annette, Patty, Mary Jane, and the rest of the family know I love you all.

PHILIP , PENNY WASS

July 8, 2009

MARYJANE
SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR FATHER , IT SOUNDS LIKE HE HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE .
GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

July 8, 2009

Auntie Annette and Family

Uncle Lefty walked with the Lord. I have no doubt he is in a beautiful place. I will miss him. As a young child I always delighted in knowing Uncle Lefty was coming to town (camp). It was the feeling of growing anticipation as the arrival grew near. That feeling escalated when Auntie Annette and Jeannie were accompained. It ranked up there with Santa. As the years passed, it has been a pleasure visiting at camp with Uncle Lefty, Bob (who I must applaud for all his support throughout the past several years assisting Uncle on the trips to camp), and my cousins. May Angel wings lighten your hearts along with knowing others are supporting you through this time.
Love,
Pamela Svoke De Neve

Connie DeLong

July 8, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Julie Bland-Price

July 7, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Svoke's passing. Our family has been missing you all for a long time. I will not be able to come to Michigan for the funeral but please know that you all are always in my thoughts and prayers, especially now. Love and hugs to you, Julie Bland Price

Fred & Rosemary Salisbury Eric & April Hansen

July 7, 2009

Sorry to hear about Lefty passing. Our thoughts are with you.

Kristin Svoke

July 7, 2009

We will miss Uncle Lefty so much. Yesterday Jerry and I along with our daughters took a hike in the woods near Lake Gogebic State Park in remembrance of him. He loved this area so much and he enjoyed the outdoors more than anyone I have ever known. It was fitting to be walking through the northwoods and reminiscing of his life. I will never forget his smile and the big hug he always gave me when I saw him. He made me feel so special. Jerry has many fond hunting memories and will always think of Uncle Lefty each deer season. Our thoughts and prayers are with Auntie Annette and his family.
Love,
Kristin, Jerry, Elisabeth, Emily, and Kalynn Svoke

Kandy Hayes

July 7, 2009

Jeannie, what a wonderful dad he must have been for you are such a wonderful person, love and prayers for you and your family.

July 7, 2009

Annette and Family

Sorry about the Loss of your Father
it's never easy.
Our thoughts are with you.

Mary Lou (Groesbeck)Bill Brininstool
Baldwin MI

July 7, 2009

It was my pleasure to assist SGT. Joe, What a True Gentleman he was, and I am pleased to have known him...and His loving family as well. I have a New Friend in Heaven to look forward to seeing again someday. God's Blessings and guidance during this time of adjustment.

L. Baxter C.N.A Calhoun County Medical Care Facility

July 7, 2009

Our prayers are with each of you at this special time and always. We know how much Joe was loved, and how very much he will be missed.
May the wonderful memories of his life
be with you always.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Eraca Family

DAVE EDDY

July 7, 2009

We have many, many pleasant and happy memories of Joe from our days in the Battle Creek Exchange Club many years ago. A true friend in need and in deed. We will now treasure those memories even more. Our thoughts are with the family. Rest in peace Joe.

Gloria Skidmore

July 7, 2009

So sorry for the loss of your father

Dayle Bonnell

July 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. During my time in the family I know how very much Joe was loved. His death is certainly a true celebration of his life. He touched the lifes of many, and certainly touched the hearts of us here at CCMCF.

Kit Waterson

July 7, 2009

I am deeply saddened to lose Joe as he and I were great friends,sharing many laughs and hugs.Joe will be deeply missed and always loved.Thank you Joe for the special times.
Kit from Beechwood Hills
Calhoun Co.Medical Care Facility

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