In Memory
Joseph A. Nemeth
NEMETH, Mr. Joseph A. "Joe" of Jenison, MI ,formerly of Kalamazoo, died Tuesday, December 16, 2003 of complications caused by Parkinson's disease at Zeeland Hospital. Joe and his wife Esther lived on Kalamazoo's eastside for over 50 years before moving to Zeeland in 2000. Born Joseph Albert Nemeth in South Bend, IN on November 4, 1912, Joe was the son of Peter and Anna Nemeth of Kapuvar, Hungary.
He grew up in South Bend, graduated from Riley High School, attended Indiana University, and worked for Studebaker Automobile Company before entering the US Army in 1942. He served in the European Theater of Operations, experiencing combat in the Battle of the Bulge and the Ardennes Offensive, where he served as company clerk and interpreter. He returned from overseas as a Master Sergeant with many decorations and commendations.
He married Marian Esther Scofield on July 11th 1942, and they settled in the Kalamazoo area in 1947. Joe worked at Industrial State Bank (now Comerica) in a variety of positions, including manager at the bank's Augusta, Crosstown Parkway, Parchment, and Portage branch offices. He also served as Chief Loan Officer and Manager of Personnel. He retired from Comerica Bank after 35 years of service as Vice President and Regional Manager in Portage. Joe made many friends during his time at the bank. He was known as a loyal, fair, and trusted employee and business partner by all who worked with him. Joe could talk with anybody and his unique ability to always remember faces and names was admired by everyone. Joe was a life-long Rotarian and member of the Portage Rotary. He was also a member of the Kalamazoo Elks, where he served in a variety of positions and committees. Joe served as treasurer for many local groups such as the Eastwood Little League and Boy Scouts. Joe was an avid golfer all his life and competed in many local tournaments, giving up the sport only ten years ago when he could no longer shoot his age. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were always able to make him smile.
Joe and Esther had five children; he is survived by his wife, Esther in Zeeland; his two sons, Roger and Kathy (Cupery) Nemeth of Holland, Craig and Valerie (Munger) Nemeth of Midland; a daughter, Sandra Jo Nemeth of Detroit; his sister, Elsie (Nemeth) Klyop of Portage; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, Richard S. Nemeth; and a daughter, Marian Lee (Nemeth) Tooley; his sisters, Mary Ann Pordon, Ethyl Marquis, Ann Gyorkos and Katherine (Kate) Bergen; his brothers, Henry (Hank) Nemeth and Peter (Pete) Nemeth.
The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. on Sunday, December 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Mausoleum at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park with the Rev. Harold Cupery officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider their local Hospice chapter or a charity of their choice. www.langelands.com
Published by Kalamazoo Gazette on Dec. 19, 2003.
07/17/2023 EJS
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