Joseph Marvin Ditzhazy

Joseph Marvin Ditzhazy, born on September 9, 1940, in River Rouge, Michigan, to the late Andrew and Teresa (Wagner) Ditzhazy passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025. A devoted family man, Joe's legacy is one of love, wisdom, and connection.
Joe graduated in 1958 from Our Lady of Lourdes High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the Detroit Business Institute. He began his career at Whitehead & Kales in River Rouge and then went on to have a 37-year career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan serving in a variety of audit and supervisory roles. Joe was known for his keen understanding of numbers, his kindness, and steadfast work ethic.
As a faithful member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, Joe exemplified commitment to his faith and community. He enjoyed serving in the kitchen at the St. Gerard Parish Festival and has been the event's oldest volunteer for several years. His service here and recently at the St. Therese Food Pantry, reflected his belief in giving back and staying actively engaged with those around him.
Joe was cherished by his daughters, as well as his grandchildren, who often sought his guidance and insight. His witty nature and frugal sensibility endearingly shaped the experiences they shared, whether he was playing cornhole, billiards, or simply visiting with them. Joe also found joy in spending time at the family cottage, where laughter and connection flowed freely among family and friends. A close-knit family man, Joe regularly reconnected with his siblings-Clifford, Therese, Kathleen, Stephen, and Thomas-creating laughter filled memories that will forever warm the hearts of those who loved him.
Joe was also a familiar face at the businesses in Grand Ledge; at Quality Dairy picking up his daily paper, the bank, the barbershop and at Meijer, where his friendly demeanor and genuine interactions resonated with acquaintances. In every corner of his life, he always shared a smile and fostered a sense of community and connection, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Jeanne Brondi and Jennifer (Anthony) Greenburg, and son-in-law, Matt Oberski; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Clifford Ditzhazy, Therese Zacny, Kathleen Slawski, Stephen (Barbara) Ditzhazy, and Thomas (Lyn) Ditzhazy. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Janet (LaForest); daughter, Joelle Oberski, and in-laws, Nancy Ditzhazy and Frank Zacny.
Services will be held to honor Joe's life and legacy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, March 21, 2025, 2:00 PM at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917 by Father Bob Bacik. Visitation will be Thursday at the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge from 4-7:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:30 PM and Friday at the church from 1:30 PM until the time of the mass at 2:00 PM. Family and friends are encouraged to attend these gatherings to celebrate the life of a man who was so dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the St. Therese Food Pantry, 102 W. Randolph Street, Lansing, Michigan 48906.
Joseph Marvin Ditzhazy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and invaluable life lessons. He will always remain in the hearts of his loving family and friends.