Joseph F. Smiljanich, 90, of 211 North St., Wakefield, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, surrounded by his loving family.


He was born on March 16, 1921, in Anvil Location, Bessemer, the son of George and Rose (Peer) Smiljanich. Joe attended Anvil School, and was granted a delayed high school diploma from Wakefield High School.


He was inducted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 22, 1942, and received his basic training at McCord Field near Tacoma, Wash. Joe proudly served with the 843rd Engineers Battalion. After basic training, he was shipped off to England, and later to France and Germany, where they built airfields and roads. Joe was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on Nov. 19, 1945, at Camp Atterbury, Ind.

Returning home to Anvil, he worked at Anvil-Palms mine and Ramsay mine as a dozer operator. Joe was a member of Operating Engineers Local 324, working at Marquette Air Base, O'Hare Airport in Chicago, and with local contractors. He was employed as a mechanic at White Pine Copper Mine, and retired after 17 years of service.


Joe was a handyman's dream, and could fix almost anything. He was a very calm and a pleasant helper to anyone who needed it.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 and the American Legion Geroux Post 11, and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. Joe was a founding member of the Balkan Strings and played bass in the Gogebic Range Tamburitzans.


Joe was very active in keeping the reunions going for the 843rd Engineers Battalion, which were held all over the United States. He kept in close contact with his buddies, who were like brothers.


On July 27, 1946, Joe married the love of his life, Sarah Batinich.
They were blessed with 65 years of marriage in 2011.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah; two sons, Joe Jr. and Tom, both of Wakefield; a sister, Ann Busch, Wakefield; many loving nieces and nephews; and his constant companion and faithful dog, Doc.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George; two sisters, Madeline Sieraski and Agatha Pogliano; and a nephew, James Pogliano.


The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 to 11 a.m., with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m., at Wakefield VFW Post 9084, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Louis P. Bracket officiating.

Following the service, military honors will take place at the VFW under the auspices of American Legion Post 11 and the VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at the VFW following the military rites.

Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery in the spring.

The Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family. Your condolences may be shared with the family at: lakesidememorialchapel.com.