ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Joseph Kaminski, 95 years old, born on August 9, 1924, and passed away on March 30, 2020. We will remember him forever.

The memorial service for Joseph R. Kaminski will be held virtually on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST.

Order of Service

Welcome Message: Wife Shirley & Friend Danielle
Scripture Reading: Nephew Paul Kaminski
Eulogy: Grandson William Vock
Sharing of Memories: Led by Son Stephen Kaminski & then open time for any guests who would like to share



May 4, 2021
May 4, 2021
When I left the convent at 30 years old I had no money or job. My sister, Lona found me a teaching job in Houston, Texas. Brother-in-law Joe surprised me by paying for my airline ticket from Indiana to Texas. If it wasn't for Joe I never would have met my husband Dave of 52 years at an ice-skating rink in Houston, Texas I will be forever grateful. PS Dave said he also thanks Joe.
Joan and Dave Smith

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Recent Tributes
May 4, 2021
May 4, 2021
When I left the convent at 30 years old I had no money or job. My sister, Lona found me a teaching job in Houston, Texas. Brother-in-law Joe surprised me by paying for my airline ticket from Indiana to Texas. If it wasn't for Joe I never would have met my husband Dave of 52 years at an ice-skating rink in Houston, Texas I will be forever grateful. PS Dave said he also thanks Joe.
Joan and Dave Smith
His Life

Joseph R. Kaminski

April 26, 2021
Joseph was born in Chicago and later his parents bought a farm in Indiana. His youth was spent alternating between Chicago and Indiana. He credited working on the farm to enhancing his work ethics. Joe would meet his future wife, Marie in high school. They married in 1942 and had four children named Joseph, Teresa, Michael, and Stephen.

Six years after the passing of Marie in 1968, Joe would marry Shirley in 1974. They were married for 46 years. During that time, Joe was transferred to California to help set up a new corrugated box plant. Joe enjoyed the new job challenges and the many new friends he and Shirley made.

Joe had suffered many health issues, but he was always able to bounce back with a smile and a great zest for life. He fell and broke his right leg on February 14, 2020 and that was unfortunately the last illness and injury his body could handle.
Recent stories

Always There

May 16, 2021
I have known Joe for nearly my entire life! We moved to the neighborhood when I was 10 years old and Joe has been a fixture in my life since that time. I can’t remember a time in the neighborhood without him. He always had a kind work and a friendly smile. As I got older I was privileged to be a part of the group that sat outside and chatted. I loved Joe’s  stories and humor and constant stability. Joe wasn’t just my neighbor; he was a part of my family.

Meeting Joe

May 15, 2021
First time I met Joe, we really hit it off. I let him know right away that Shirley and I were not just cousins, we were best friends. We were born 2 months apart and we looked out for each other. Joe passed my test and I welcomed him into the family. The only time I was upset with him is when he took Shirley away to California. It took me a long time to get used to that. I was happy when I went to California to see them and knew he was taking good care of her and I had nothing to worry about. I really miss Joe for Shirley. I'm glad I was part of their lives and the tears are coming out now.
Love, Cousin Juanita
May 9, 2021
Joe was our neighbor but he meant much more to me and my brother. He is a big part of my memories of home and my childhood. Even at a very young age mom would walk us around the block on our big wheel bikes and stop to talk to Joe and Shirley. I also have memories of mom tending to the front garden and I would play with my brother. We would then take off on our bikes (mine with tassels and training wheels) down the sidewalk hearing her shout “don’t go beyond Joe and Shirley’s house.” Joe would usually be sitting in his driveway relaxing and mom knew he would watch us and make sure we were safe. As the neighborhood kids got older we would ride our bikes around the cul-de-sac. Stopping by Joe and Shirley’s to say “hello” and play a game of pachinko was always on our agenda. All the kids could be seen circling their bikes around Joe in his chair, how did we not make him dizzy?! Forever patient and kind, he would chat and then send us on our way with a big bag of oranges from his tree. Coming home from college for laundry and food I would take for granted my drive by wave to Joe, Shirley, and all the other neighbors that would congregate their chairs for an afternoon break. What a lucky childhood to be surrounded by such a caring neighborhood. Joe was always the stable image in my mind. I miss waving to him as I pass the house but have a childhood full of memories to share with my husband as we pass by to visit my folks.

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