Joseph John Wilk

Forever in Our Hearts: Joseph John Wilk

November 1, 1951 – August 11, 2025

Joseph John Wilk, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was 73 years old.

Born on November 1, 1951, in Detroit, Joe was the fourth of seven children born to Joseph Anthony Wilk and Betty Jane (née Wilk) Ozark. Though rooted in Michigan, Joe's life journey took him across the United States, with cherished chapters in Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, and back again to Michigan where it all began.

Joe was a man of remarkable work ethic, integrity, and talent. After graduating high school, he began an apprenticeship with the Detroit Free Press in the printing industry and eventually became a journeyman. He went on to work for American Speedy Printing, later owning a franchise and founding his own business, Pride Press, in Colorado. Overall, he worked in the printing industry for approximately forty years. Joe poured himself into every job he had-not for accolades, but because he took pride in doing things right. In his later years, he brought that same dedication to his role at AutoZone, simply because he loved to stay busy and be useful.

Wherever life took him, Joe never walked alone. In 1976, in Detroit, he met the love of his life, Sandra Hash. From the start, they knew they were meant for each other. They married on June 13, 1981, and spent 44 devoted years side-by-side. Joe and Sandra did everything together-from raising their four children to working in their print shop every day as true partners. Their love was unwavering and beautiful, a quiet force that shaped their family's foundation.

Joe's greatest joy was his family. He was their biggest fan, strongest supporter, and most devoted advocate. Whether cheering from the sidelines or celebrating their milestones, he made sure his family felt deeply loved and seen. He had a gift for making others feel special-always smiling, always encouraging, always showing up.

Charismatic and enigmatic, Joe had a warmth that drew people in. He was sweet, selfless, and full of joy. There truly wasn't a person who met him that didn't like him. Just so you know ;)

A lover of music, Joe had a lifelong passion for rock 'n' roll. He played electric guitar in a band and loved listening to music. He enjoyed the sounds of Steely Dan, Grand Funk Railroad, and countless others. In his youth, he could often be found at the legendary Grande Ballroom in Detroit, being one with the energy of live music.

Joe also found peace and happiness in nature. He loved the outdoors- golfing on sunny days, bow hunting during deer season, and especially spending time in the mountains of Colorado or at the family cabin up north, which he helped build during his younger years. He was a gifted man, always fixing things, renovating, and tackling projects with skill and determination.

A man of many interests, Joe was a loyal sports fan who enjoyed watching football and baseball. He also loved immersing himself in the world of The Lord of the Rings books.

Through all his passions and pursuits, Joe's Catholic faith was a guiding light in his life. On May 21st, 2001, Joe began the journey of a sober life with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous and the countless friends he made. He provided support as a sponsor, spreading his love for people, god and life.

In 2015, Joe received the gift of life in the form of a lung transplant on October 4-an event he celebrated with his signature phrase, "Dad's all good, so you know." As he approached the tenth anniversary of his transplant, he remained endlessly grateful for the second chance it gave him and the time it afforded his family.

Joseph John Wilk leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, laughter, and loyalty. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, through the music he loved, the family he built, and the life he lived with unwavering passion and purpose.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; his four cherished children, Kelly (Ryan) Davis, Stacey (Paul) Kosciolek, Amy Dwyer, and Mary (Jake) Johnson; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Welch, Allison Indra, Jerry Indra, Peter Indra, Nicholas Kosciolek, Timothy Kosciolek, Steven Kosciolek, Joshua Wormuth, Katelyn Wormuth, Brandon Wilk, Lily Johnson, Laura Higginbotham, and Thomas Higginbotham; his siblings, Paul (Margaret) Wilk, Keith Wilk, Karen Jacobs (Doug); four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Anthony and Betty Jane Wilk; grandson Michael Kosciolek; and siblings Barbara (Dennis) Hering, Judith Wilk, Beverly Witkowski, and best friend and dog companion, Zoe.

A mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6021 Whittier Ave. Detroit, MI 48224 on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00am. Following the service there will be an open-house style celebration of life. For the location of the open-house, please reach out to Stacey or Mary.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's memory to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 or using the link below.

Rest in peace, Joe. And as he would tell us, "dad's all good… so you know"