Joseph Nietupski

A steady man of faith and family, Joseph Nietupski was an example of unwavering commitment. He had a knack for sharing wise words, giving a well-timed pat on the back, or quieting a fussy grandbaby. He gave his loved ones the gift of the certainty of his love and support.

Joe was the second of four children and was born on October 16, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan. He learned about hard work and perseverance from his parents who were Polish immigrants. Joe’s father, Jacob Nietupski, worked in the Pennsylvania coal mines and later the Chrysler plant in Detroit. His mother, Natalie Wegrzynowicz, had managed a grocery store, worked in a cigar factory, and served her family by managing their busy home. Joe and his siblings attended St. Stanislaus Elementary School and then the local high school.

Joe joined many of his peers by signing up for the U.S. Army at the age of seventeen, with the United States knee-deep in World War II. He had a natural ability with technology and worked with radar and early computers while serving in the Philippines.

When he returned home he went back to high school and received his diploma. His military experience and superior technical skills earned Joe a job at the RCA TV repair division, in Detroit. He was a quick learner and was a pioneer in the field of computers. He worked for RCA for over thirty years until his retirement at age fifty-nine.

Experience and skill development weren’t the only things he gained at RCA. A lovely young co-worker named June Beattie caught his eye and after dating for six months, they exchanged vows at St. Theresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church in Detroit on October 4, 1949. They honeymooned in beautiful northern Michigan.

The young couple’s family grew early and quickly. Catherine was born in 1950, followed by Daniel in 1952, Nancy in 1955, and Denise in 1958. Joe’s love for them was immeasurable and steady. They enjoyed summer activities at the family cottage in the Lewiston, Michigan. One favorite vacation activity was going to the local drive-in movies. In mid 1960 he bought a pool and there were many family reunions and picnics at the house. Mostly they liked being together. They were faithful members of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights.

An excellent athlete, Joe had a competitive side and was a member of the Dearborn Indoor Racquet & Health Club where he enjoyed tennis and racquetball. He also loved to bowl and participated in several bowling leagues. He also enjoyed golfing with his friends.

Joe was particularly appreciative of polish cuisine, he liked kielbasa, kapusta, and golumpki and especially pierogi. He was the family’s grillmaster, serving up burgers and hot dogs on the weekends for whomever was visiting. Saturday nights might find him relaxing in front of the television with Lawrence Welk, Bonanza, Nova, or the Discovery Channel.

When Joe retired, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States. He might be heard crooning some Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin as they put the miles on, and he always made room for a little Johnny Cash in the mix. They spent time visiting family in Florida each year. They enjoyed going to flea markets in search for older photography equipment. He converted family films taken by June's father and made DVD's for all the siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, In 2012, they moved from Detroit to a condo in Jenison,MI, in order to be closer to their children. They soon joined the Holy Redeemer Parish.

Joe suffered from macular degeneration and lost his sight in 2010. He missed his Zane Grey western novels and science journals, but still enjoyed books on tape. He was an avid "reader" and every night at 7:00 you would find him listining to NPR news. When he needed more care than June could provide alone, the two of them moved to St. Ann’s Home and made many new friends.

For the last six months of his life, Joe’s health declined. He developed pneumonia and was hospitalized at Mercy Health St. Mary’s in Grand Rapids. His family faithfully stayed by his side until the very end, reflecting the same love and loyalty he had showered upon them for so many years.

Joseph died on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 10:33 a.m. He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, June Nietupski (Beattie); his children, Catherine Nietupski-Klug, Daniel (Prudence) Nietupski, Nancy Nietupski, and Denise Nietupski (Nick Spooner); grandchildren, Jesse (Jennifer) Klug, Benjamin (Heather) Nietupski , Keith Nietupski, and Karen (Leon) Clark; and great grandchildren, Samuel Klug, Kelly Nietupski, Milo Clark, Gillian Klug, Summer Bykerk, and Skyeler Bykerk.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Home – 2161 Leonard St. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at St. Ann’s Chapel on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. To share a favorite memory, photo, or to sign Joe’s guest book, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.