Joseph was born on Sept. 5, 1917, in Hludno, Poland, the son of Constantine and Tekla (Szepelak) Czerkes. He grew up in Poland and attended school in Hludno. In June of 1944, he married Teresa (Paraska) Halczuk in Germany. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Boyne Falls and formerly of St. Josephat Ukranian Catholic Church in Warren, Mich. Joseph enjoyed the outdoors, morel hunting, gardening, baking, traveling and especially spending time with family and friends.

Joseph is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Teresa; children, Stephen (Catherine) Czerkes of Boyne City; grandchildren, Michael (Heidi) Czerkes of Lansing, Kristin (Brad) Eaton of Ellsworth, Ann Marie Czerkes, Deanna Czerkes, Adam Czerkes and Eric Czerkes; great-grandchildren, Joseph Czerkes, Graham Czerkes and Karlee Eaton.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Constantine and Tekla; son, Joseph Czerkes; four sisters, Teresa, Mary, Anna and Cathy; two brothers, Steve and Stan.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at St. Augustine Church in Boyne Falls, and a scripture service was held at 7 p.m.

A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at St. Augustine Church, with Fr. Duane Wachowiak serving as celebrant. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to St. Augustine Church Building Fund or Hospice of Northwest Michigan.

Burial will take place at St. Augustine Cemetery early in the spring. Stackus Funeral Home of Boyne City is serving the family.