Official Obituary of
Joseph F. Stasa, Jr.
July 1, 1936 ~ August 11, 2025 (age 89) 89 Years Old
Joseph F. Stasa, Jr. Obituary
Joseph F. Stasa Jr. — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Frederick Stasa Jr. of Henderson, who left us peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday August 11, 2025, at the age of 89 at Chesaning Comfort Care.
Born on July 1, 1936, in Owosso to the late Joseph & Rose (Seconsky) Stasa, he was a 1954 graduate of Chesaning High School. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957 and was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps. On October 11, 1958, Joe was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice Wenzlick, and they shared 56 happy years together until her passing in 2014. Joe's love of music was a lifelong joy. He was a familiar and welcome presence at many events throughout Michigan, where he delighted crowds by playing the drums and saxophone. His musical talent and dedication were recognized with his induction into the Polka Hall of Fame in 2004. He spent his career working for Midland Ross and Rapid Design, retiring from Magnatec in 1998. He was a former member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Oakley and a current member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Chesaning. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus St Christopher Council #2943, and the Certified Manufacturing Engineers. Beyond his professional life, Joe was known for his great sense of humor and his deep love for his friends and family. He loved his Detroit sports teams, with a special place in his heart for the Red Wings. He found peace in the simple things: hunting, fishing, trying his luck at the casino, and enjoying the quiet life on his farm as he watched the seasons change.
Surviving are: children: Shelley (John) Horning of Whitehall, Valerie (Jeff) Oesterreicher of Chesaning, Joseph (Cheryl) Stasa of Battle Creek, Michael (Heather) Stasa of Saginaw; grandchildren: Bethany Horning, Joshua (Nadija) Horning, Gwen Horning, Ian Horning, Jenny (Jerry) Sykes), Tim Oesterreicher, Derek (Krystin) Oesterreicher, Joey Stasa, Jordan Stasa, Justin (Isabel) Stasa, Abe Stasa; great-grandchildren: Maddie, Kyleigh, Lukas and Reid; special companion Carol Smolka of Henderson; brother, Richard (Kim) Stasa of Henderson; brothers-in- law: Richard Martin of Chesaning, Dave McCormick of Cheboygan; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Jan Martin and Diane McCormick.
A funeral mass will be held at 11am Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Chesaning. Rev. Fr. Andrzej Boroch officiating. Following the Mass, Joe will be laid to rest at the St Michael’s Cemetery in Oakley. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Friday from 4pm-7pm at Misiuk Funeral Home. A Rosary service, led by the Knights of Columbus, will be prayed at the funeral home on Friday at 7pm. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 10am until the time of Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in accordance with their wishes. You are invited to share your condolences and light a memorial candle in Joe's honor or share a memory at misiukfuneralhome.com.
Misiuk Funeral Home
202 South Front Street
Chesaning, Michigan 48616
989-845-3096
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph F. Stasa, Jr., please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
FridayAugust 15, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Misiuk Funeral Home
202 South Front Street
Chesaning, MI 48616
Knights of Columbus will pray the Rosary
FridayAugust 15, 2025
7:00 PM
Misiuk Funeral Home
202 South Front Street
Chesaning, MI 48616
Visitation
SaturdayAugust 16, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
St. Peter Parish Catholic Church
404 South Wood Street
Chesaning, Michigan 48616
Funeral Mass
SaturdayAugust 16, 2025
11:00 AM
St. Peter Parish Catholic Church
404 South Wood Street
Chesaning, Michigan 48616
Donations
The wishes of the family
© 2026 Misiuk Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility