Joseph Stanley Stankovich, Jr., age 71, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2021.  He displayed extreme courage and positivity after receiving a diagnosis of cancer, always reporting his "Uptick Days" to his brother and sisters via emails and texts.   Joe was born on July 7, 1950 in Warren, MI, to Joseph and Martha (Krawczyk) Stankovich. He graduated from Center Line High School in 1967 at the age of 16.  Joe volunteered and enlisted in the United States Army when he turned 17, and served his tour of duty in Viet Nam when he was just 18.   A graduate of Wayne State University with a B. S. in Social Science Education, and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Central Michigan University, he also completed doctoral studies in Human Resource Development at Western Michigan University.

His career included years at Chippewa Valley Schools (Clinton Township), Mercy Hospital (Muskegon), Clark Equipment Company (Kalamazoo), Nazareth College/Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo), Kellogg Company (Battle Creek), Tibbett & Britten Group (NJ); and the U.S. Army ARDEC at Picatinny Arsenal (NJ), until he retired in 2013.  After retirement, Joe became a resident of the Elk Rapids area living on Birch Lake.

He so enjoyed and was passionate about teaching, learning, career development, leadership and organization development, mentorship, the essential networking and job searching process.  He taught Human Resources Management and Principles of Management as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Michigan College from 2013-2018, and continued to help former students, alums, colleagues, family members, and others find meaningful work.  Many graduates, family and friends entered new careers as a result of a "hot tip" or "golden nugget" of information given to them by Professor Stankovich. Joe's never ending surge of energy and enthusiasm gave many students and others the drive to turn a good education into a successful career.

Joe wore a perpetual smile and shared it with all whom he came in contact with, expressing his gratefulness for good news, and to pass on a laugh or the joy of the day.  Joe was also passionate about history, and especially enjoyed sharing his recollections of family stories and memories with his siblings. He truly earned the title of Stankovich Family Historian.

He believed in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Grace of God and the power of prayer.  Joe was a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme.

Having met and married the love of his life, Cam in September of 1972, Joe looked forward to traveling to new places and exploring the outdoors with her and their many miniature schnauzers, the joys of their lives. Together they shared their love of the outdoors, canoeing, boating, fishing and the wonderful sights of nature and events in Copper Harbor, Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, Branson MO, Alaska, Maine, Lake Champlain, Lake Winnipesaukee, Switzerland, England, and many other visually stunning locations. They tent camped in the Upper Peninsula for ten years but stopped when a large snowfall came during the first week of May. Their love of the Upper Peninsula never diminished, and they visited their favorite location annually. Together they dreamed of early retirement on a small lake with a boat, and saw that dream become reality.

He leaves behind his dearly beloved Cam (Camille), his wonderful wife, soulmate, companion and best friend of over 49-years, his cherished siblings sisters Rosalie (Donald) Cook and JoAnn (Russell) Smith, and Brother Michael (Therese McFarland), and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and friends.  His two schnauzer Boys, Michael and Matthew, remain behind to comfort Cam.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents as well as niece Martha Marie Smith, and nephew Matthew Russell Smith, and Godmother Sister Rosemary Kenarny, SSJ.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on November 13, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Memorials in Joe's memory may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society (Traverse City), or to the Reigning Liberty Ranch (Traverse City) and Peaceful Ranch (Traverse City) to support their efforts in assisting Veterans.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel is handling the arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com