here Ishpeming – Joseph J. Filizetti, age 71, of P.O. Box 67, Ishpeming passed away at his home on Saturday, October 4, 2014 following a courageous battle with cancer with his family by his side.

Joseph was born March 21, 1943 in Negaunee to John and Adeline (Melka) Filizetti. He graduated from the Negaunee High School in 1963. Joe married De-An (Gustafson) on November 19, 1982.

Joseph worked for C.C.I. as a heavy equipment operator for 29½ years, mainly at the Tilden Mine, prior to his retirement. He and his wife De-An spent time traveling with their camper, joining friends and family at different parks throughout Michigan. Joe loved gatherings around the fire, enjoying his family and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, having coffee with former co-workers and friends, and keeping in touch with many of them with a phone call now and then. He had a passion and love for horses, and owned many over the years.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 32 years De-An (Gustafson) Filizetti of Ishpeming, daughter Deborah Filizetti of Negaunee, twin sons – Robert (Allison) Filizetti and Roger (Donna) Filizetti both of Ishpeming, along with step-children Randolph (Crystal) Trudell of Negaunee, Rick (Sherri) Trudell of Petoskey, and Roxanne Ogea of Ishpeming, sister Mary (John) Rauch of Camano Island, WA, brother Jack (Judy) Filizetti of Negaunee, sister JoAnn (Alton) McCarthy of Negaunee, step-brothers Lance Hopper of Marquette & Ed (Judy) Hopper of Negaunee, step-sisters – Valerie (Rick) Frailing of Ishpeming and Crystal (Jeff) Cram of Negaunee, sister-in-law Robyn (Joseph) Frisch of Oconto Falls, WI, grandchildren – Anthony, Tristen and Tabin Filizetti, Amanda Libertoski, Elizabeth Filizetti, Rick Jr., Rob, Thomas, and Randy Trudell, Jonathan Barrett, Adam Loar, Amy Haske, Angel Trepanier, Randy Trepanier, Nicholas Willig, Jamie Brown, Alana Arsenault, Jacob & Caitlin Lee, 11 great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents – John and Adeline Filizetti, step-father Graham Hopper, brother James Filizetti and nephew Kurt Goyen.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the CrossBridge Church, 119 N. Third St., Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 12:00noon on Saturday at the CrossBridge Church with the Rev. Kevin McIlhany to officiate. The family welcomes friends and family to a luncheon being served immediately after the services at the Ishpeming VFW located adjacent to the church.

A special thank you to the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice for their compassion and care, our niece Jaime Crabb and cousin Roxanne Filizetti for their love and support, and many thanks to the MGH physicians and staff, family friends & neighbors, Pastor McIlhany and congregation for their many acts of kindness. May God Bless You All!

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .