Joseph S. Tatar

Joseph S. Tatar Marshall Joseph S. Tatar, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Borgess Hospital surrounded by his family. Joseph was born in Szombathely, Hungary on February 18, 1930 to Dezso and Ethelka (Stefer) Tatar . ( Szombathely translates to "Saturday's Place" in English). He fled to the United States after the Hungarian Revolution in 1957. He arrived in Buffalo, New York speaking very little (if any) English. He learned the language and the dairy business. In Buffalo he became a plant manager for a dairy company. He earned his United States citizenship papers on February 7, 1963. In Buffalo Joseph met the love of his life, Veronica Botz. They were married in 1958. In 1968 the couple moved to South Bend, Indiana where he worked for Wheel Horse and Coachman. At the same time he attended Indiana University from where he graduated. In 1976 Joseph moved his family to Marshall where he was hired by Sam Leggitt to be part of Marshall Brass. In October of 1980 Joseph left his employment at Marshall Brass and started Advanced Fuel Components in the basement of the family home. The company was successful and grew and is now located in L. Alta Brooks Industrial Park where it is run by his three sons. Joseph retired in 1995 but still served on the company board. He was a longtime member of the Marshall Manufacturers Association. Joseph was a devout Catholic. He was a member of Marshall Rotary for many years where he was very active. In Szombathely, Hungary he graduated in 1948 from Premontrei School. His was the last class before the Communists took over the country. The school of his childhood deteriorated during their rule. Joseph led a successful local Rotary project that paid to put windows back in that same school building. He was active in many other Rotary projects. Joseph loved fishing, watching sports, and discussing politics! But his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Veronica and family with many trips made back to Hungary. Joseph and Veronica enjoyed many winters at their home in Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by his wife Veronica, their children Andrew (Heather) Tatar of Battle Creek, and Alex (Linda) Tatar and Thomas (Melissa) Tatar all of Marshall; six grandchildren Alec, Kyley, Samara, Gabrielle, Joseph and Kloey, and a great-granddaughter Ameilia. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 723 US27 North, Marshall on Thursday where the family will be present to greet friends and share memories from 2p.m.-4p.m. and 5p.m.-7p.m. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Friday April 29 at 2p.m. at Kempf Funeral Home. Cremation will follow services. The family asks that memorials in his memory be made to Premontrei School of Hungary. Checks need to be made to School of Hungary/Frank Koromopai and left at Kempf Funeral Home. To sign the on line guest register and leave a message for the family visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.