May 30, 1931 - Feb. 11, 2013

UNION, Mich. - Joseph Michael Koscielny, 81, of Union, passed away Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born May 30, 1931, in Montreal, Wis., to Frank and Stella (Koscielny) Zarzycki. His mother passed away when he was 6 months old, and his adoptive parents, Thomas and Ann Koscielny, who are deceased, raised Joseph.

He is also preceded in death by three sisters and nine brothers.

He married Phyllis J. Herendeen on June 2, 1956, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church. Phyllis passed away on June 2, 1995.

Joseph is survived by his children, Gregory M. (Jennifer) Koscielny of Goshen, Ind., Karen M. (Ed) Bollero of Bristol, Ind., Kathy A. Koscielny of Elkhart, Ind., and Michael J. (Linda) Koscielny of Bristol; six loving grandchildren, Michael and Timothy Koscielny and Julie, Kyle, Alex and Anthony Bollero; his brother, John Jastrom of Kansas, Okla.; and his special lady friend of 17 years, Jane Myers of Elkhart.

Joseph formerly worked for Adams & Westlake Ltd. and Miles Laboratories (Bayer). After he retired, he worked as a greenkeeper at Four Lakes Country Club in Adamsville.

Joseph loved living and boating on Coverdale Lake. He had an amazing vegetable garden and was know for his heirloom tomatoes, which he shared with family and friends. He also loved Italian food, his '94 Corvette and cutting wood, and he never missed the Elkhart Jazz Festival since its inception. In addition, he was a huge fan of Michigan State University.

Joseph was a long-time member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church and Elkhart Knights of Columbus Council 1043. Joseph proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base from 1949 to 1955.

Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2013, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friends may also call for one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2013, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 West Vistula St., Bristol. The Rev. Robert VanKempen will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery, Elkhart. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force Burial Honor Detail and the Goshen Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to Knights of Columbus Council 1043.

To send a condolence to the family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Royal Rock, Elkhart, IN Joe was a very good friend of mine. He and I worked together at Adlake. Was a friend of his wife also. Had so many good times together. Miss them both.

Pamela Deitch, Elkhart, IN Kathy, Greg, Karen & family I am so sorry for your loss. I love reading about your dads life . His story is so interesting. I wont be able to attend but please know im thinking of each of you. Love you Pam

Nancy Davis, Elkhart, IN Thinking of you ALL...

John Gildea, Oro Valley, AZ We met Joe through Phyllis and maintained that connection by seeing him and Jane each year at the EJF. Recently, mom has been amazed by his luck at bingo. We will miss him and pray for him. Gwen and John Gildea

Larry Tully, Elkhart, IN So sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a good friend that I worked with at Miles/Bayer and Adams & Westlake. Often saw Joe when playing golf at Fore Lakes, Joe would track us down on the course to chit-chat. Joe will certainly be missed...Our prayers for solace to his family.

Al Perry, Summersville, WV So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I work with him at Adlake from 66 to 79. I enjoyed working and talking with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.