Joseph Zemaitis

Joseph Zemaitis lived his life surrounded by good family. From his beginnings in a small coal-mining town, through his months as a POW, to his years as a Grand Rapids policeman, Joe lived his life on his own terms. Although he could be outspoken and opinionated, he had a lot of friends and could turn on the charm when he wanted.

Life in 1918 was quite different from what it is today. Ideas like women having the right to vote, and safety in the workplace were not yet realities. For those people living in Minden, West Virginia, such ideas were far from reality. Minden was a small coal-mining town, and the life of a coal miner in 1918 was anything but safe. Anthony and Petronella Zemaitis were Lithuanian immigrants who had fled by way of Ireland during WW I, to the United States where Anthony found a job as a coal miner. Already the parents of two children, on December 13, 1918, Baby Joseph came into the world. When the Zemaitis family was complete, four children were keeping Petronella and Anthony busy.

Life was hard during the depression, and life in a coal-mining town was even harder. Joe attended school through the eighth grade then quit to work in the coal mines, like his father and older sibling. In those days, you made your own fun, and Joe tackled life head on. Considered a “hell-raiser”, he and his brothers spent a great deal of time on the streets and were involved in a good share of the neighborhood “mischief” – so much so, that there was a corner named after them, “Scrapper’s Corner.” Not content with life in Minden, Joe left home several times to stay with an aunt who lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Eventually, the whole family had had enough and packed up and moved to Grand Rapids. Everyone hoped better times were on their way when all the men were hired to work at the Imperial Furniture Factory.

While living in Grand Rapids, Joe met Nellie Ann Zuiraitis, whose family was also Lithuanian. Joe was not one to immediately settle down, and he joined the Army, ending up as an MP in San Francisco during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. However, Nellie’s heart had been given to Joe and she followed him to San Francisco. He promptly sent her back to Grand Rapids, but she was determined. After returning to San Francisco a second time, Joe and Nellie were married in January of 1942.

With WW II in full swing, Joe was sent to England and then to Germany, where he was wounded and captured, along with his entire unit. It was the second day of the Battle of the Bulge. Joe was a Prisoner of War for six months, finally being liberated in Czechoslovakia. The rest of the unit had been freed earlier, but feisty Joe had been punished for stealing potatoes for the men who were sick of eating nothing but turnips, and had been moved to another camp. When he finally returned to the States, he was so emaciated from his ordeal that the Army kept him in Miami for a while to “fatten him up.”

Joe returned to Grand Rapids with money in his pocket. Being a good poker player and not prone to seasickness, Joe had gambled on the ship coming from Europe and had done pretty well. He was now ready to settle down and get a job. His heart was set on being a fireman, but there were no openings. However, the police department was hiring, and with his background as an MP, he was an excellent candidate. Joe started work the next day, still wearing his Army field uniform.

Starting out walking the beat on Plainfield and Leonard, Joe loved his 33 years with the Grand Rapids Police Department. Over the years he served in a variety of different areas. During Prohibition, he worked vice and often told stories about destroying the barrels of liquor on raids and filing dice and breaking slot machines so they couldn’t be used. Able to speak Lithuanian, he was the court interpreter when needed. Joe eventually worked his way to Sgt. Detective, where one of his duties was to coordinate services when Presidents visited the city. Joe liked being in charge. He even traveled a little throughout the U.S. doing extradition work. Retiring after 33 years, Joe was pleased to see children and grandchildren follow in his footsteps.

Joe and Nellie were blessed with their first child in 1945, followed by 4 more over the next 10 years – sons Rich, Jim, Joe Jr., and Tom, and daughter Mary Ann. Joe was a strict father and spent most of his time working. There were a few vacations, but the family pretty much stayed close to home.

Joe’s biggest passion in life was golf. He caddied as a kid in West Virginia, fell in love with the game and played as often as he could. Playing golf put Joe in his comfort zone. It was here that he was most accommodating and showed the most patience. If you needed help or wanted advice concerning your game, Joe was more than willing to help you out. He played just about every course around home and traveled to play others. Winters in Florida were mainly for playing golf. But as much as he played, Joe was never able to score a hole-in-one.

Although life was on his terms – “my way or the highway” – Joe had a lot of friends willing to share the good times. Travel was usually for a purpose – to visit family or to play golf. He enjoyed working in his yard, and was just as happy spending time alone. He liked Notre Dame football, watching it on TV or listening on the radio. Sundays were spent listening to the Tigers’ games.

Nellie died in 1990 and this was a big adjustment for Joe. He had never done many of the household chores over the years, relying on Nellie, but with the help of his children, was able to manage. Joe lived in the family home until about a year ago when, after a fall, he was not able to live without more assistance.

Mr. Joseph Zemaitis, age 86 of Grand Rapids, passed away March 13, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife Nellie, his daughter-in-law Kathy, and his grandson James Zemaitis. Surviving are his children Rich and Vicki Zemaitis, Jim Zemaitis, Joe Jr. and Kathy Zemaitis, Mary Ann and Nick Friar, and Tom and Lorna Zemaitis; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; sister Mary Gillis; sisters-in-law Angie and Katie; and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2 PM at SS. Peter & Paul Church. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family at the HERITAGE LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Wednesday at the church from 1 PM until the time of the service. The Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday evening at the funeral chapel at 8:30 PM. Please visit Joe’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution. Memorial contributions to SS. Peter and Paul Church or Hospice of Michigan are appreciated.