Joseph Richard Mitkusevitch

Joseph Richard Mitkusevitch III, 81, died Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Swedish American Hospital after unexpected complications following surgery. Born November 19, 1929 in Rockford, son of Joseph II and Victoria (Smardzewski) Mitkusevitch. Rockford has always been home except for a brief stay in Poland at the age of 3 after his father died. A graduate of West High School, Joseph married Delores E. Wood on December 31, 1951. They started their life together running a Sinclair Gas Station and Café on North Second Street. In 1953 he was in Ripley's Believe It or Not! for being elected into Harlem Township public office along with his wife and in-laws all on the same day. Later, Joe started work at Barber-Colman Co., beginning as a maintenance worker, progressing to draftsman, plant engineering; finally achieving head of security for several of the Barber-Colman plants. Joe retired from Barber-Colman/Siebe after 46 years. Following retirement, he worked for his son, Mark and his construction company. Joseph was a member of the Fire and Safety Engineers Association. He pursued several interests over the years including ham radio operator, welding, gardening, boating, woodworking, target shooting, model airplanes and beer brewing. Joe was an active man and led a very full life. He will be missed by many. Joseph is survived by his three children and their families; Paul H. and Barbara Mitkusevitch of Machesney Park, Constance V. (Mitkusevitch) Cleveland of Machesney Park, and Mark J. and Leslie Mitkusevitch of Rockford; eight grandchildren; Anastasia (Jeffrey) Rudd, SPC/E4 Alexander Mitkusevitch and Christopher Mitkusevitcyh, Ashley (Michael) Craglow, Derek Cleveland and Zachary (Lisa) Cleveland, Victoria Mitkusevitch and Joseph R. Mitkusevitch IV; 3 great grandsons; sister, Helen and Vito Pizzuto of Westminster, CO; brother-in-law, Russell O. Wood of Rockford and several nieces and nephews. Joseph was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Delores (Wood his parents and step-father, Peter P. Walczak; sister-in-law, Diane Wood and niece, Becky (Wood) Mauro. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of the service. Graveside services to follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, 6202 Charles St. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.