Joseph Warren Green Jr.

April 1, 1944 - June 1, 2025

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Joseph Warren Green Jr., 81, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.

Joseph was born on April 1, 1944, in Bremerton, Washington, a son of Joseph W. Green Sr. and Isabel J. (Nesbitt) Green. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1962.

Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years, with time spent in Iceland and then two-and-a-half years aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62) stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. On Aug. 8, 1966, he was honorably discharged as an aviation electronics third class petty officer.

In 1971, after earning his bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University, Joe began his 30-year teaching career at the Bessemer Area Schools. He took great pride working with so many wonderful and respectful students and their parents. Also, his 10 years coaching basketball had so many momentous events, including a district championship.

Joe was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, and a supporting member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084. He was known for his great sense of humor.

Joe is survived by his son, Kevin; two cherished grandchildren, Elliot and Meadow; step-daughters Rhonda (Dan) Buck,   Susan (Shadrack) Odo , and Kathy (Robert) Tiel three sisters, Patty Gast, Bonnie Green and Kelly (Doug) Allen; his brother-in-law, Robert (Nancy) Burns; 14 nieces and nephews, Julie Burns, Mary (Dave) Hayes, Tim Burns, Bobby Burns, Nolan (Dorina) Burns, Michael Gast, Jared Gast, Mikella Gast, Brian (Katy) Wagnon, Scott (Jessie) Wagnon, Tayler (Adam) Jensen, Jeff (Angela) Laakso, Ryan (Krista) Laakso and Collin Laakso; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and many, many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 53 years, Colleen Ann (Burns) Green, on Aug. 29, 2019; his beautiful daughter, Shannon Theresa Green, on April 24, 2017; a brother, David Allen Green, on Jan. 25, 2009; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert A. and Veronica (Nolan) Burns; and his brother-in-law, Dan Gast.

At the family’s request, there will be no visitation prior to the church service. However, Kevin will greet relatives and friends at the time of the luncheon to be held at the VFW Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, in Wakefield upon return from the cemetery.

Since Joe prayed the rosary daily, the Rev. Dominic Agyapong will lead a rosary at 10:15 a.m., on Saturday, June 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, where full military honors will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield VFW Post Honor Guard assisted by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Joe’s memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for masses, c/o Tri Parish Office, 210 E. Iron St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

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