Joseph Henry "Joe" Wojcik

Joseph Henry Wojcik, "Joe" age 90 of Clinton Township, died Sunday, July 2, 2017 at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He was born March 19, 1927 in Wallington, New Jersey, son of the late Frank and the late Stella (nee: Pesko) Wojcik.Married to his bride of over 69 years, Irene & Joe shared their vows and began their lives together as husband and wife, a journey that was marked by many highlights and joys of building a home, raising a family, and growing deeper in love with each passing day. But there was a little something that came before their "I Do's" that begs a mention,…Joe's service to our country.Departing high school a bit early to become a part of America's efforts during World War II, Joe felt the need to join with his fellow patriot's as they headed off to defend the United States, as well as our esteemed allies around the world. Choosing to serve in the U.S. Navy, Joe eventually was stationed aboard the USS Higbee, a Gearing Class Destroyer which was the first United States warship named for a female member of the U.S. Navy, Chief Nurse Lenah S. Higbee from the 1st world war.So it is, with thanks and praise from a grateful nation, that we pay homage to Joseph for his service to our country and the sacrifices made in protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy because he was there. For his willingness to stand in harm's way on our behalf, and his valiance and bravery in the face of extreme conflict, we honor his service and extend our posthumous gratitude for answering the call to duty with pride. It's people like Joe that truly made an impact as part of our country's Greatest Generation.Following the war, Joe's journey towards a career path entailed a couple of ventures that helped him get his feet wet in the workforce. One was hitting the roads as a Long-Haul Truck Driver, and the other was a stint as an owner of a local Party Store on Van Dyke Avenue in Detroit. Yet it wasn't long before another "uniform" would come calling, this time to suit up as a firefighter for the City of Detroit. One of the countless souls of Detroit's Finest, Joe enjoyed a bright and challenging career that provided great rewards as he strove, once again, to protect and preserve the lives of his fellow man,…right here in his own backyard. A career that spanned some 25 years, Joe would eventually accept his well-deserved retirement, leaving the Fire Department as an esteemed Lieutenant.Following retirement from the Fire Dept., there was one special venture he embarked upon that would impact his life greatly,..and that was as a bus driver for the student athletes at De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren. An integral part of seeing the boys to and from their athletic appointments and games, Joe became a familiar face and a dear friend to many of the boys over the years, a 2nd career that meant the world to Joe and touched the lives of many in his 20 years behind the wheel.From sailor, to firefighter, to owner and driver, Joe's life was filled with many moments of character building, forging friendships, and discovering the many skills and talents he possessed. Yet of all the moments that impacted his life the most, it was those precious memories made with loved ones that fashioned his heart into the man that Irene and the boys came to love and respect. Family meant the world to Joe, and his presence will surely be missed. Joe was the beloved husband of 69 years to Irene. Dear father of Mark (Margie) Wojcik, Jerry Wojcik, and loving grandfather of two adopted boys, Chris and Josh. Dear brother of Adele Jordan. Visitation for Joe will be held Thursday, July 6th from 3-9 pm, with an evening Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Friday from 11:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm at St. Thecla Catholic Church in Clinton Township. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to the Brother George Synan Scholarship Fund, c/o the De La Salle Collegiate Advancement Office, 14600 Common Road, Warren, Michigan 48088-9912. Please share memories of Joe at his memory book above.