Joseph Thomas Wazny

Joseph Thomas Wazny
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, Joseph Thomas Wazny was suddenly called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Mack) Jablonski; daughter, Shelby Bleile (Adam); son, Zach (Alexa); grandchildren, Preston, Bella, Vivi, and Eva; Also his step-children, Lisa (Gary) Woelke, Michelle Stolz, Chad (Megan) Peterson, step-grands:Tre, Trent, Morgan, Tyler, Milo. Brothers Steve (Connie), George (Diana), Larry, Ed (Char), Phil (Mary Ellen) Dan, Chet (Mary Ann); and sisters Maryann (Doug), Katie (Lee), and Janice, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children's mother, Pamela Clark; father, Chester Wazny and mother, Irene Wazny; and all of his grandparents.
Joe was an honorable, humble, fun-loving, gregarious man who was born on March 21, 1951 to a very loving family, the fourth of 11 children. He was raised in Midland, MI in the "good ole days" as he would say when life was carefree and summer days were spent exploring, swimming, and making it home by suppertime. After graduating high school, he attended Ferris State where he studied Graphic Design and eventually went on to become a fireman for the Midland Fire Department for 35 years, retiring Lieutenant. His cooking skills were admired & enjoyed amongst the department, nick-naming him "The Great Wazoo."
To know Joe was to love him. He always made you feel as if you were the only one in the room, had quick wit, a strong faith in the Lord and witnessed to countless lives during his time on Earth. His calling in the last decade was to witness to inmates at the jail, undoubtedly giving them hope in the Lord. His family meant everything to him, and they were especially close-knit. Building a family treehouse that made it on HGTV was certainly a highlight event. He had a penchant for the outdoors, motorcycling, and his Out West trip with his brothers. To his children he was "Dear old Dad/Dad-e-o" and to his grandchildren "Papa oom mow mow." The fun-loving joy he embodied was felt by everyone who knew him. His humble spirit marked the man of God he was, always putting others first.
Among his greatest blessings was his loving wife, Mack, whom he cherished and enjoyed many fun adventures motorcycling and exploring the mountains of the west and the wildernesses of "Up North Michigan" interspersed with joy and laughter throughout their 27 year marriage. Their relationship was a testament to true companionship & love.
Being a father and grandfather was another joy of his life. He especially loved reading his Bible & sharing his love for scripture with his children & grandchildren, inspiring them to have their own personal Bible studies. His favorite pastimes were lifting weights, a great game of Scrabble or euchre, and crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed keeping up on his grandkids' countless activities and sports, always wishing he could be at all of the events and encouraging them from afar. His humble heart will be so missed, but as he said "don't cry for me when I pass someday-- just know I am in Heaven with Jesus in a better place, and I will see you soon." That was Joe, full of hope and a zest for life that lives on in all the numerous lives he touched.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on August 12, 2025 at Midland Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Payne officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00am until time of service. A graveside service will be held at 3:00pm at Jerome Twp. Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our Tree Store.