Obituary of Joseph Julian Smith

Joseph Julian Smith, 90, formerly of Saginaw, Michigan, died at Windmill Manor in Coralville, Iowa January 27, 2008, following a brief illness. Visitation and funeral services will be held in Saginaw, Michigan later this week through the Snow Funeral Home @ 989-791-4515. Local arrangements were handled through Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. A memorial fund has been established in his memory. Joe was born June 27, 1917, in Byesville, Ohio to Anastasia Rozanska Basikiewicz Smith and Joseph Kazimier Basikiewicz Smith. He graduated from Byesville High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from Ohio State University. Joe served in the United States Army throughout World War II and attained the rank of Captain. He was a teacher in the Field Artillery and later worked in Military Intelligence. Joe sold pharmaceuticals for McKesson and Robbins for over thirty years, then had a second career as a tax assessor. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta and his daughter, Julianne as well as his parents and a sister, Mamie. Joe is survived by his son, Christopher, his grandchildren, Gisela and Kazimier, daughter in law, Alane and his sister, Josephine. He is also survived by many friends and family. Joe loved the outdoors and spent countless hours fishing and hunting. An avid fly fisherman, he was very concerned about caring for the environment and preserving our natural heritage. Joe also golfed often and enjoyed playing cards. He was a talented carpenter and knowledgeable gardener. Joe loved to be with friends and family and shared many jokes and stories with everyone. His grandchildren, Kazimier and Gisela, were the center of his affection and attention. They greatly miss him!