Joseph J. "Joe" Spedowski, age 76 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, at his home in Big Rapids surrounded by his family. He was born in Big Rapids on March 3, 1947, the son of Joseph A. and Joyce (Sattler) Spedowski. Joe attended St. Mary Catholic School through 8th grade and later graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1965. Following graduation, Joe joined the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. In 1969 Joe met his future wife, Nancy Hargett, in Florida and they were married on September 6, 1969 in Concord, North Carolina. His next stop was college where he attended Ferris State University and Central Michigan University, earning his Masters Degree. Joe began working at Ferris and retired as an FSU administrator after more than 30 years of employment. He also owned and operated Spedowski Pool and Spa from 1978 to 2021.
Joe was a lifetime member of St. Mary St. Paul Catholic Community in Big Rapids. He was a good and faithful servant; during Mass he was a commentator, lector, Eucharistic Minister, and as a child an altar server. Joe was a founder of St. Marys Gods Kitchen until 2019 and was involved with RCIA. He was also a member of Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club, Knights of Columbus, and Big Rapids American Legion Post 98. Some people will remember him for his involvement with youth hockey in the area which included Big Rapids Area Hockey Association (BRAHA), Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, and Adray Hockey Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and going to all sporting events.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Nancy L. Spedowski of Big Rapids; son, Mike Spedowski of Big Rapids; grandchildren, River and Autumn Spedowski; brothers, Jeff (Barb) Spedowski of Big Rapids and Jordan Spedowski of Reed City; sister-in-law, Nancy K. Spedowski of Big Rapids; and several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joe "JoJo" Spedowski; brothers, James (Karen) Spedowski, Jerry Spedowski, and sister in-law Jackie Spedowski.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Jegar Fickel officiating and Father Lam T. Le and Father Michael Burt con-celebrating. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids starting at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Joe will be laid to rest at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joes name to Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club, P.O. Box 164, Mecosta, MI 49332, or the Adray Scholarship Fund, 23400 13 Mile Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307.
Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
Please leave a memory, condolence, and picture at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
The Family Will Greet Friends
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Mary Catholic Church
1009 Marion Ave
Big Rapids,MI
49307
Mass Of The Resurrection
Thursday, June 22, 2023
11:00 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church
1009 Marion Ave
Big Rapids,MI
49307
Time of Sharing
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
St. Mary Catholic Church
1009 Marion Ave
Big Rapids,MI
49307