Brigadier Joseph Vondracek's Obituary
Big Rapids- Brigadier Joseph Vondracek, 92, of Big Rapids, was promoted to Glory on Friday, May 7, 2010 in Big Rapids. Born on May 18, 1917 in Wagner, South Dakota, he came to Big Rapids in 1978 from Detroit where he retired as a Salvation Army Officer from the Central Territory, Chicago, Illinois. Brigadier Joseph Vondracek began his career as a Salvation Army officer after graduating from The Salvation Army Officers Training College located in Chicago in 1938. After graduation he married his wife Catherine in 1939 and together they accepted a variety of appointments as ministers of the Gospel, serving those in need in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. His last appointment was in Detroit as Superintendent of The Salvation Army Edwin Denby Childrens Home. Upon his retirement in 1973, he continued his service as a volunteer for the Salvation Army in Big Rapids doing social work. He served in this capacity from 1980-1991. Joe, as he was known, had a talent for art and was a master of landscape oil painting. This was a lifetime love and his numerous paintings are being enjoyed by many today. He also loved restoring old cars and among the many he restored, was a 1929 Pontiac with the finished car being a work of beauty. In 1998 his wife Cathering died and in 2000 he married a high school friend, Margaret Bosteder. Together they enjoyed playing music--Margaret on the piano and Joseph on organ or accordian. He has been active as church organist in Big Rapids Salvation Army until his accident in April 2010. Brigadier Joseph Vondracek is survived by his wife of 9 years, Margaret A. Vondracek; one daughter, Judy K. Payton (David) of Big Rapids; one daughter-in-law Bonnie Vondracek of Livonia; two brothers Vernon Vondracek, Steve Vondracek (Sharon); two sisters Mae Amstutz (Waldo), Frances Vondracek; five grandchildren, Dionne (Vondracek) Mydock, Joseph Vondracek (Anne), Kim (Payton) Ferrante (Tony), David S. Payton (Kris) and Nicole (Vondracek) Torrez (Jason). He is also survived by 8 great grandchildren; Noah and Jadon Ferrante, Hailey Mydock, Joey, Bella, Lucas and Elijah Payton and AJ Vondracek and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Frances Vondracek, his first wife Catherine Vondracek, son, Joseph C. Vondracek, 2 sisters Josie (Vondracek) Newton and Vinice (Vondracek) Erwin and 2 great grandchildren Kyle and Catherine Payton. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 15, at Salvation Army, 325 Linden Street, Big Rapids with Major Mike McKee officiating. Josephs family will greet friends from 11:00 to time of service. Burial with committal services will be in the Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16th. Arrangements bare entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids ? ? ? ? ?
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