Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
405 Center St
Dowagiac, Michigan
Joseph Garski Obituary
Joseph I. Garski, 78, of Eau Claire passed away on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28, 2024, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, Ind., with his family by his side.
He was born on Sept. 8, 1945, in Benton Harbor, the only child of Irving H. and Eulah E. (Brant) Garski.
Joe attended Benton Harbor schools and was a 1964 graduate of Benton Harbor High School.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving almost three years until his honorable discharge in 1967.
On Sept. 14, 1968, Joe was united in marriage to Nancy Clark in Dowagiac.
Upon returning from the Air Force, Joe returned home and joined the St. Joseph Police Department, as a full-time officer for about 12 years. He then went to the Berrien County Sheriff's Department, where he remained for the next 28 years – until his retirement – where he earned the rank of sergeant.
While at the BCSD, Joe served in many departments including the marine division and narcotics unit. He also served on the Berrien County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team for almost 35 years. When 9/11 occurred, Joe served at Ground Zero assisting the New York police and fire departments. While working for BCSD, Joe was the Eau Claire police chief for years and village mayor.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Nancy Garski; their two daughters: Ann and Kari; three grandchildren: Zachary, Jocelyn and Madison; and lifelong friends: David Harms, Thomas Robson and Lonnie Groenke.
Preceding him in death were his parents and lifelong friend, William Barnett.
A service to celebrate Joseph's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, at Clark Chapel and Cremation Services – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., where friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Wayne Shearier will officiate. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.
Memorial contributions in Joseph's name may be directed to Southwest Michigan Veterans Support Group.
Those wishing to share a memory of Joseph online may do so at www.clarkch.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Garski
3 Entries
Karen Hummel
February 5, 2024
Joe was a good person and neighbor. I am sorry I didn't hear about this in time to attend funeral services. My condolences to his wife Nancy and daughters Ann and Kari and the grandchildren. I'm so sorry.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
jay fisher
January 30, 2024
So So Sorry to hear about Joe, our prayers go out to you and yours during this trying time.
Marsha Vincent Edwards
January 29, 2024
So sorry for your loss!
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Garski's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Garski
Funeral services provided by:
Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Clark Chapel - Dowagiac405 Center St, Dowagiac, MI 49047
People and places connected with Joseph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Garski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
