Joseph “Joe” Francis Brzezinski, 68, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. The son of Andrew Joseph Brzezinski II and Leocadia “Lillian” (Winowiecki) Brzezinski, Joe was born Dec.
28, 1950 in Traverse City, MI. Along with several siblings, Joe was raised on the family farm in Cedar, MI. On Sept.
18, 1987 he married the love of his life and surviving wife, Carol Jean (White) Brzezinski. Joe started his over 40-year career at MichCon Gas Company in Traverse City, MI. His work ethic and expertise led him to several upper leadership positions in Petoskey, Grand Rapids and later consultant for DTE Energy.
In addition to a successful career, Joe set the mold in so many ways. No one lived the commandment “help thy neighbor,” more. Talented in many trades and overall problem solving, Joe never shied away from helping anyone; friend, family or stranger.
Thousands of dollars and fewer stressful nights were saved through his generosity. In addition to helping others, Joe’s social activities included playing in various softball, bowling, and golf leagues for several years as well as being a member of the “Grumpies” in his later years at the U&I in Traverse City, MI. He enjoyed visiting family every year in Florida and attending the Detroit Tigers spring training games.
Joe was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed going to his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Joe cared for his family in so many ways he would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help them out.
Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Marc (Becky) Beutler, Michael (Dawn) Schavey and Todd (Kristen) Schavey; his siblings, Janette Clements, Germaine Brzezinski, Nancy Zywicki, Marci (Eric) Andrews, Linda Brzezinski and David (Monica) Brzezinski; and 8 grandchildren, Austin Beutler, Thomas Aamer, Joseph (Joey) Schavey, Ella Schavey, Timothy Aamer, Jack Schavey, Isabelle Schavey and Mia Schavey. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; Andrew and Lillian; his siblings, Sylvia Brzezinski, Ann Marie Brzezinski, Andy Brzezinski, Gary Brzezinski, Larry Brzezinski, Norma Brzezinski, Mary Beth Rataj, Eleanor Brzezinski and Daniel Brzezinski. Family and friends will be invited to a Celebration of Life event coordinated this summer.
A special thanks is extended to the amazing staff at the Munson Healthcare Hospice of Traverse City, Michigan. Donations in Joe’s honor may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please visit www.
reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences and memories with the family.
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