Joseph Thomas Flaga

Joseph Flaga passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024 with his beloved companion, Elise Schmidt at his side. He was born in Detroit, MI on February 28, 1945, He was number 5 of 12 children born to Franciszek (Frank) and Wanda Flaga.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Frank and Wanda Flaga. Sisters JoAnn (Tim) Doty and Rosemary (Richard) Ryan. Brother Ronald Flaga

He is survived by Frank (Patricia) Flaga, Constance (Peter) O’Donnell, John (Cheryl) Flaga, Sandra (Lee) Bolda, Rodney Flaga, Bruce Flaga, Sharon (Jim) Sawyer, Raymond (Tammy) Flaga, Patricia Rekolt, and many nieces and nephews.

Joe also leaves behind his 2 precious cats, Tyler and Sierra who adored him, and many dear friends he met On The Road To Utopia.

Joe grew up in Roseville, MI and proudly enlisted in the United States Army right out of High School. He was stationed in Bamberg, Germany and served from 1963-1969 as a Tank Commander in the 7th Army, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron with 3 Tanks under his command. He guarded the Czech border, and his service included time during the tense Cuban Missile Crisis. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter Badge among other achievements.

After Joe returned to the States, he worked at the US Army Tank Automotive Command in Warren, MI where he test drove new Tanks and other Military Vehicles. After his time in the service, he worked as a Carpenter Apprentice and went on to achieve his Builders License, which he still proudly carried. With his career in the building trades, he became skilled in all trades including automotive repair. He had a natural ability to build or repair anything, whether by traditional or non-traditional methods, earning him the nickname “MacGyver”. Fixing things was an obsession and he would do so wherever he went.

Joe was a trophy winning Walleye fisherman and loved trolling after midnight in the Detroit or St. Clair Rivers. He enjoyed swimming, boating, snowmobiling, going to the Casino and attending concerts. During the last 15 years, his favorite activity was taking road trips all over the country to experience Todd Rundgren concerts, gatherings and events. He especially loved meeting up with the “TRibe.” community who affectionately assigned him the titles of “General”, “Superman” and “Recon Joe”. He was honored with a song written about him called “Recon Joe” by musician Dode Prickett who put the song on his album “Diamond Cutter”

When one met Joe, he was unforgettable. He loved life, had a large personality, was opinionated, and spoke his mind….at great length. He enjoyed a good meal and had a large appetite. He was generous with his time and talents. He was a loyal friend and had a heart of gold.

Joe left a huge impact on many and will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

Visitation: Thursday, Sept 5 at Temrowski Funeral Home.

30009 Hoover (at Common Rd) Warren, MI

Friends and Family 4-8 PM

Catholic Funeral Mass of Resurrection Friday Sept 6 at Our Lady Queen of Families

(formerly St. Clement) 25320 Van Dyke (at 10 ½ Mile) Centerline, MI

9:30 AM In state, 10:00 AM Mass

Cremation will follow the Mass, and Joe’s ashes will be interred with Military Honors at

Great Lakes National Cemetery

4200 Belford Rd, Holly MI

Date to be announced.