Joseph H. Laurinec

Joseph H. Laurinec, age 98, died as he wished at his residence at Northpointe Woods in Battle Creek, Michigan, Saturday, August 27, 2022. This was made possible because of the dedication and compassion of the staff and residents, his daughter Leslie and Careline Hospice Services.

He was born April 5, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to immigrant Slovak parents Joseph and Elizabeth A. (Sopocy) Laurinec. He was preceded in death by his parents, by his loving wife of 72 years marriage Virginia S. (Matus) Laurinec and by siblings Jerome J. Laurinec, Bernice E. Ancell, Milicent Hassels Schall, and Betty J. Eskildsen. He is survived by daughters Linda L. (John) Nelson and Leslie A. Gernon, by grandson Dustin E. Gernon and by nieces and nephews.

Joseph was bilingual from infancy. He also lived for two years of his childhood in his immigrant parents' Slovakia. His high school education was both academic and vocational. At age 17 he apprenticed in factory work as a tool and die maker.

He was a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology (BSME 1950) and the University of Chicago (MBA 1967).

He served in the Army Air Forces during WW II and utilized his veteran benefits to become an Engineer. During his working career, he managed several factories to make them globally competitive. In 1975 he joined the Clark Equipment Company to manage and assess their forklift factories. In retirement, he remained a resident and supporter of the city of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Private Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here in the memory book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.