Joseph “Big Joe” Roy Milosevich Sr.

Joseph “Big Joe” Roy Milosevich, Sr., 82, of Wanatah, Indiana, passed away on July 15, 2023, after spending his last days at home in much the same way he spent his life—surrounded by his loving family and telling his beloved wife, Joan, how beautiful she is.

Joseph was born on August 30, 1940, to Joseph and Mary Milosevich in Whiting, Indiana.  Upon graduation from Gary Emerson High School in 1959, he became a Machinist at Inland Steel for 35 years, however he always balanced work with fun and family. An avid swimmer, Joe met the love of his life, Joan, in the summer of ’59 at the local YMCA pool. They married on July 28, 1962, and had two children, Susan (Philip) Kowalski and Joseph (Josi) Milosevich,

who survive him. Morning coffee and omelet Fridays have always been special with his children.

Family was an important cornerstone to Joe, and he celebrated the growth of his family by welcoming his grandchildren Elizabeth Kowalski, Julianne (Brian) Nash, Christopher (Brittany) Kowalski, Alison (Matthew) Torres, and Kendra Bourque (step-granddaughter).  His family roots continued expanding with great-grandchildren Violet & Finley  Kowalski, Lincoln Nash, and Adela & Delilah Bourque. Over the years, Joe trained and loved many big dogs and is survived by his faithful companion Molly. Joe was proceeded in death by his parents , sister Gloria Miller-Sinchak, and stepsister Barbara Limkov. He is survived by his sister Marylou (Joseph) Gent, stepbrother Frank (Jeanette) Miles, and godson Michael Miller. Joe had a special relationship with his extended family. He always looked forward to the occasions when multiple generations came together.

Ever the adventurer and nature lover, Joe traveled often and became an accomplished pilot. He loved to fly his children to different states for breakfast in his Cessna. Many road trips were traveled by letting the children and grandchildren choose a random direction to get to the destination where they would spend evenings watching wildlife, swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying time together. Many years were spent hosting hayride/pool parties and Christmas Eve open houses.

Joe was an intellectual man with many interests. He loved reading books, magazines, and newspapers that family and friends would bring back from travels all around the world. His favorite topics were not limited to history, culture, and wildlife. Joe’s mind was always working – he loved to know how things worked and fit together. He passed this on to his children and grandchildren by teaching them many skills via projects including car repair/maintenance, home building, and remodeling.

Joe was a charismatic jokester and loved teasing and inserting jokes into conversations. Together with his wife, he hosted over 20 exchange students from all around the world who were forever after considered family. He was also a long-time member of Sacred Heart Parish in Wanatah, Croatian Federation Lodge 170, Knights of Columbus, and Wanatah Lions Club where he developed long time friendships. Joe never met a stranger and was loved by all that were blessed to know him.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life for family and friends will be announced at a later date.