Obituaries

Joseph Frank Maciag, a lifelong resident of Goetzville, Michigan, passed away, April 7, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on December 8, 1932, in Goetzville, Michigan, to John and Rose (Zobek) Maciag. Joe spent his entire life on the same property where he grew up, a testament to his deep roots and love for his hometown.

Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army, and proudly served at Fort Eielson Airforce Base, in Fairbanks, Alaska. After returning home, he married Kathryn House on November 24, 1961, and together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and community. They were active members of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church and dedicated to supporting their local Raber AMVETS.

After his military service, Joe went to work and retired from both the Cedarville and Drummond Quarries. In 1967, he started a sawmill with his neighbor, Danny Tominac. After Danny passed away, Joe continued to run the mill on his own and later with his son Scott, full time from 1993 until 2014 when he officially retired.

Anyone who frequented Maciag Sawmill knew that on a hot Friday afternoon in the summer, Joe could be found under his favorite shade tree in the yard, enjoying a cold beverage for Happy Hour. Joe had a deep love for Polka music, a good cold beer, and a strong shot of bourbon. Many late nights were spent around the kitchen table with friends signing and playing his accordion. One of his favorite pastimes was hauling his camper trailer to polka fests around northern Michigan, where he and Kathryn could enjoy the music and the company of friends.

Joe was a man of great character, dedication, and warmth.

Joe is survived by his son, Scott (Brooke) Maciag; son-in-law, Robert Gable; grandsons, Cale and Evan; sister, Rosemary Opalka; sister-in-laws, Nancy (James) Lockhart and Judy (Emory) Schwiderson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will remember him for his hard working spirit, his sense of humor, and his unwavering love for family and community.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose; wife Kathryn; daughter, Suzanne; father and mother in-law, Scott and Etta House; and siblings, Tony Pokryfke, Mary, Mildred (Joseph) Kott, Anna (Roman) Hank, Albert, Peter, John, Michael, and Josephine (Kenneth) Povey; and brother-in-law Lawrence Opalka.

The family invites friends to join them in honoring Joseph’s life and legacy. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 14th, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 12841 E Traynor Rd, Goetzville, MI 49736. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM.

Joseph’s final resting place will be at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bender-Johnson AMVETS post of Goetzville, MI.