Cover photo for Joseph Unger's Obituary
Joseph Unger Profile Photo
1928 Joseph 2021

Joseph Unger

June 9, 1928 — May 3, 2021

Joseph Unger, 92, died peacefully at his home on May 3, 2021 surrounded by his family. Joseph was born June 9, 1928 in Bethlehem, PA to Stephen and Irene (Weiss) Unger. He attended Fordson High School and then left at age 16 to join the Coast Guard to fight in WWII. Soon after, he married the former Gertrude Maynard on November 22, 1947. They settled in Dearborn, MI and started their family. The couple was married for over 70 years before her passing in 2018.

Joe started his work career as a professional photographer in Detroit which led to a long-term career as a yearbook and class ring salesman with the Balfour Company. Later in life he used his sales and business skills to help friends in business sell industrial equipment.

Joe served as choir director at Midvale Baptist Church in Madison, WI during the 1960's. He was president of the Lion's Club in Romeo, MI in the 1970's. Joe was an active outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and was also an avid golfer. He earned his private pilot's license in the 1950's and his life-long interest in aviation was reflected in his passion for model aircraft. He was a pioneer in radio controlled aircraft that started in the 1950's and continued throughout his life. He founded two RC modeling clubs in Madison, WI and Romeo, MI that continue today. His interests in music, golf, aviation and outdoor activities were passed on to his three sons through his dedication to his family by always making time to include them.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Thomas (Victoria) Unger and Michael (Ellen Harvey) Unger; grandchildren, Benjamin and Juliana Unger; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Unger and a sister, Carol Unger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude; parents; a son, Richard Unger and a brother, Stephen Unger.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service to celebrate Joe's life will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2021 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Oaklawn Hospice. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Monday, May 17, 2021

Starts at 2:30 pm (Eastern time)

Fort Custer National Cemetery

15501 W Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012

Get Directions

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 8

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors