Joseph John Felek

Joseph John Felek, 89, of Chesterfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Regency of St. Clair Shores.

Joe (as he was known to his family and friends) was born on April 5, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Joseph and Charlotte (Goleniak) Felek. His parents divorced when Joe was young and Joe took on the role of helping his mother raise his 3 younger siblings.

When he graduated from Detroit's Cass Tech High School, Joe was already working and playing in a band as a trumpet player. He worked across the street from a diner he would frequent for lunch and there he met his wife. On July 9, 1955, he married the love of his life, Adrianne Kazmierski. Together they shared 70 years of marriage, building a life centered on love and family.

While his full-time job was as a delivery driver for the Post Office, UPS, and, for more than 30 years, for the Detroit Free Press, music was one of Joe's lifelong passions. His mother played violin and his brother, Charlie, played piano. Joe began playing the trumpet in grade school and continued sharing his talent as a proud member of the Polish Rascals band as a teenager. His band eventually became the "house band" for Roma Hall which hosted weddings and other special events. He also played Taps for funerals of veterans at several local cemeteries and was even given an honorary uniform. Whether performing or simply listening, music was always close to his heart.

Joe found joy in life's simple pleasures and in the company of others. He especially loved the outdoors and camping soon became the norm for the family's summer vacations. When Joe and Adrianne became empty nesters, they bought a camper and began traveling all over the United States and even joined a few camping clubs. Evenings spent around a bonfire with family and friends, or watching an old western, were among his happiest past times. He also enjoyed bike riding and long walks, always taking time to appreciate nature.

Joe never passed up a good card game, especially euchre or pinnacle. He also rarely passed up the opportunity to crack a joke or share one of his many "crass" sayings like "flattery will get you everywhere," or "I'm here, but the question is, am I all there?" and he certainly never passed up the opportunity for a sweet treat. His sweet tooth was known by all.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and hello, was always ready to lend a helping hand, offering his time and generosity without hesitation. He was loyal, humble, and had a work ethic like no other. His patience in life's most challenging times earned him the nickname "St. Joe." His love for his family and friends was constant, and his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.

In addition to his beloved wife, Adrianne, he is survived by his children, Deborah Felek, Sharon (Felek) Kollar, and Lisa (Shawn) Frensley; his grandchildren, James Warunkiewicz, Lauren Frensley, and Sara Frensley; his great-grandchildren, Carter Warunkiewicz and Hailee Warunkiewicz; sister Carol (the late T.V.) Lindsey, brother-in-law Ronald (Eileen) Kazmierski, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers Charles Felek, Richard Felek, and brother-in-law Donald Kazmierski.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joe's life. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Home in Mount Clemens. The Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, following a brief visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Deacon Mike Cummings will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Joe's honor, celebrating his lifelong love of music, to a local school music program of your choice (including Joe's beloved Cass Tech High School) or another charity of your choice.