Joseph Cichon

Joseph Cichon was a remarkable man with an insatiable zest for life who made the most of each day he was given. He was talented, a real “Mr. fix-it” who liked to save anything and everything since he never knew if he might need it someday. Joseph had a strong faith and was never afraid of hard work, even working during his vacation time. His underlying pursuit was to provide his family with a comfortable lifestyle and some creature comforts as well, a truly devoted family man if ever there was one.

The year 1920 was a transitional time for our country as we were adapting to being a nation at peace with the end of WWI near the close of the previous decade. Albert and Alice Cichon, of Grand Rapids, Michigan were preparing for their own change as well as; they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their third and youngest child. They were indeed blessed on March 27, 1920 with the healthy birth of their son, Joseph. Joseph grew up in the family home on the west side and his father supported their family by working at the railroad. Together their family was members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and Joe attended Sacred Heart School as well where he learned both English and Polish, taught by the school nuns.

As our nation became gripped by the Great Depression near the end of 1929, children were left to create their own fun and entertainment. Joe recalled when he, along with many other children, played football with each other along with various other activities as well. Families did what they could to survive and Joe also remembered families gathering to slaughter chickens as a way to put food on the table during these tight times. It was during his childhood that Joe established the value of a dollar, the importance of hard work, and he learned to be frugal, stretching every penny. These traits would follow Joe throughout his entire lifetime.

As a high school student, Joe attended Davis Tech. where he was a star football player, sporting the number 41. During these years he put in a hard days work at a tannery performing manual labor that was dirty and a bit smelly too. Of great significance during his high school years, was his introduction to a fellow classmate named Marian Wolford who lived on the north end of the city and attended St. Alphonsis Parish. It didn’t take long before a romance between Joe and Marian sprung forth and they were married during the early 1940’s after Joe had graduated in 1939.

The newlyweds settled into a home on the north side of town and he became a member of her home Parish as well. Joe found work at Applied Arts where they normally manufactured auto parts, but during WWII, they made war materials instead. Applied Arts served as his employer for his entire working career and provided Joe with a variety of positions, eventually becoming a supervisor. While there, he also became instrumental in the development of the UAW and proudly served as the president for several years.

The Cichon family had grown to include seven children whom Joe cherished. Joe worked hard, but also was a bit fun-loving as a parent. His children recall the time that it was important to Joe that his son played the accordion and since his son was less than thrilled with the idea, Joe taught himself to play the instrument instead. His musical talent grew to include the harmonica as well, providing musical entertainment for his children and eventual grandchildren as well.

Life took a drastic turn for Joe and his family when they were involved in a serious automobile accident on Christmas Eve in 1957. These were difficult days for the family but they were all blessed to come out alright and the money they received from the settlement allowed Joe to purchase property containing the shell of a cottage on Rainbow Lake in Montcalm County. Upon completion of the cottage, this became where their family spent many fun summers and Joe even commuted back and forth to work so that he could enjoy time there too. Here, Joe relaxed by taking on various projects, even satiating his green thumb by starting a garden of both vegetables and flowers.

Joe treasured his family and providing for them in so many ways was his driving force. He worked during his vacation time in order to earn extra money to buy all his children Christmas presents. He was a gifted woodworker and often made items for his family that they still treasure today. Although his marriage to Marian ended in divorce, Joe continued fostering close relationships with his children and was supportive of them in every way.

There were several interests that Joe enjoyed pursuing when he had leisure time. He made homemade wine, painted pictures, and tinkered with things around the house. Joe became lucky in love for a second time when he began dating a secretary from Applied Arts named Sue Sarber. After dating for a time, they were married on April 30, 1983, a union that Sue proclaimed was one of the best things she ever did. Joe was blessed with two step daughters and together, their combined families made many precious memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Joe sold his home and moved into Sue’s home on the west side where he joined St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Here, he started a garden, often supplying family members with his produce whether flowers or food.

Life became more difficult for Joe over the past six years as his health began declining. Since he was no longer able to work at the cottage, he rarely visited there anymore but was proud to be able to keep it in the family so that future generations will continue to make memories there together.

Whether he was transporting nuns from his church, working extra hours in order to buy Christmas presents, or making a gift from wood, Joseph Cichon fostered a spirit of compassion and continually lived his life with others in mind. He was a man of unmatched character who brought light and life to all those placed in his path. Joe spent a lifetime making beautiful memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed.

Joseph M. Cichon died on Friday April 17, 2009. Joe’s family includes his wife Suzanne, his children: Terry (Colleen) Cichon, Tim (Marian Payne) Cichon, Mary Ann (Robert) Blauwkamp, Carol Lou (Robert) Moleski, Dick (Carol) Cichon, Don (Karen) Cichon, David (Bonnie) Cichon; his step children: Becky (Dan) Baines, Beth (Tracy Hanrahan) Sarber; 15 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Mr. Cichon reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt and Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. where relatives and friends may visit with his family Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and where a Bible Vigil service will be held Monday at 8:30 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.