Joseph Niezgoda

Joseph Niezgoda, age 79, longtime resident of Northville, passed away March 16, 2020. He was born Friday, November 13, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Joseph and Dorothy (nee Gurka) Niezgoda, Jr.  Joseph attended Cody High School in Detroit where he lettered in both football and swimming.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  Joseph was united in marriage to Jerri C. Kurtz (nee Christopher) on July 31, 1981 at the gazebo in Mill Race Village in Northville.  They spent 38 loving years together as husband and wife.

Joseph worked for General Motors for 25 years, ending his automotive career as a general foreman at the Romulus Plant.  Following his retirement, he began a career with Detroit Newspapers where he started as a transportation driver.  He then joined home delivery where he worked his way from assistant district supervisor to distribution manager.  Joseph retired from Detroit Newspapers in 2004 after 9 years with the company.

Joseph was a member of Moslem Shriners in Southfield. He served as the Commander of their Legion of Honor for 5 years and was a member of the Moslem Transportation Team, driving crippled and burned children by bus from Michigan to Shrine Hospitals in Chicago & Erie, PA. He was also a member of Golden Ark Lodge 595 and American Legion Post 32 in Livonia.

Joseph enjoyed gardening, both vegetable and flower.  He was a wonderful cook; he made a wide variety of dishes and the food he made was always delicious.  In his younger years, he liked to hunt and fish.  Joseph was a history buff and was intrigued by different historical events.  He had a wicked sense of humor and always encouraged shenanigans.  He loved animals and had many beloved pets throughout the years.  Joseph cherished the time he spent with his family and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be truly missed by those that loved him.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Jerri C. Niezgoda; his children, Rochell (Thomas) Hicks and Michael (Lisa) Niezgoda; his brother Gerald (Pamela) Niezgoda; his grandchildren, Caitlyn (Christian) Reese, Joshua (Hope) Hicks, Brittany (Phil) Seleski, and Brenden (Scarlet) Niezgoda; his great grandchildren, Conor, Crystal, Amelia, and one on the way; and his furry companions, Shadow the cat and Abby the dog.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  He will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Shriners Hospital for Children , attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.