Joseph E. Tokarczyk

Despite the many challenges he faced, Joe Tokarczyk was loved deeply by those who knew him best. Although he tried hard in life, he lived just as hard. He was a simple man, in many respects, who enjoyed a good ride on his Harley and the pleasure of fishing when he was able. Gone but never to be forgotten, Joe will be missed in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The "Nifty Fifties" was certainly a time to be remembered. New cars came equipped with bigger, more powerful engines while larger and taller automobile tail fins was all the rage. Rock and roll was here to stay with the television debut of American Bandstand, and at the same time, the "Baby Boomer" generation had reached its' peak. The birth of Joseph Edward Tokarczyk made for exciting times in the lives of his parents, Joe and Adeline (Welc) Tokarczyk in 1957 when on October 20 they welcomed him into their arms. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Joseph was the firstborn of eventually six children in the bustling Tokarczyk household. His father supported their large family as the owner and operator of his own excavation, snowplow and heavy equipment business. His mother, a homemaker, remained at home taking care of Joseph and his younger sisters, Vicki, Kathy and Michelle, and brothers, Jim and Frank. The Tokarczyks made their home on Post Road in Roosevelt Park, a small city within Muskegon where he attended Mona Shores Public Schools. He experienced a childhood typical of the times while enjoying many adventures as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout. Joe and his friends also made small wooden cars that raced down a track as participants in the Pinewood Derby. Joe played baseball in the local little league where he served as a pitcher. Growing up, he was especially close to his Grandma Welc. She often treated his entire baseball team with snacks after their games which were enjoyed by all. Joe's siblings often joked that he was spoiled rotten by his Grandma since he was her first grandson. During his youth, Joe was a big help to his grandparents. At night when they closed their store at 2:00 AM, Joe was always there to fill up the pop and beer coolers for them. A family devout to their Catholic faith, the Tokarczyk family attended St. Michaels Catholic Church where Joe completed his Catechism classes and served as altar boy, too. Fun family vacations to Cedar Point always made for memorable times. They also went on other vacations across the country in the motor home Joe's dad built out of an old school bus. As a family they enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Black Lake, and their large, above ground swimming pool in the backyard of their home made for great parties and get-togethers over the years. Since his earliest days, Joe had his sights set on becoming a pilot. After graduating from Mona Shore High School in 1975, he moved south to Oklahoma where he took classes to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician. In 1977, he graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautics. Joe's dream of fulfilling his career in aviation was unfortunately cut short when he was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. After spending several months in the hospital recovering, he eventually made his way back home to Michigan. After some time, Joe met a young lady who stole his heart. They began dating, fell in love, and were soon married. They settled down in nearby Norton Shores where they welcomed the births of three children, Jennifer, Renee and Joseph. Sadly this marriage came to an end after ten years. Joe worked in various factories throughout the years. For a time he worked at Grand Haven Stamp, American Grease Stick, and Dymet as well as Anderson Global. Well rounded in his abilities, his positions included working as a tool and die maker, machinist, and he performed machine maintenance, as well. In his free time, Joe continued his love for fishing and enjoyed hunting. He loved the wind at his back riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and owned several through the years. Whenever he was able, Joe spent time working on them and always kept them in good running condition. Charlene Eickholt entered Joe's life and once again gave him a purpose. They were married and shared the love of two children together, Adeline and Thomas. Unfortunately, his marriage to Charlene ended shortly after the birth of their son, Thomas. Through the years, Joe fought a hard battle with alcohol and the many challenges it brings. Although he tried to kick the habit by attending Alcoholics Anonymous and remained clean for a time these demons within Joe were too strong for him to overcome. He began having some health issues which eventually caused him to go on disability. In the heart of Joe Tokarczyk there was a good and loving man full of possibilities. He loved his family, but there was no denying his weakness. Now forever free from the ties that so bound him, may his love be what is remembered most. Mr. Joseph E. Tokarczyk, age 57, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. SURVIVORS: Daughters, Jennifer Tokarczyk and Renee Tokarczyk, both of Muskegon, and Adeline Eickholt of FL; sons, Joseph Tokarczyk of Muskegon and Thomas Eickholt of FL; grandchildren, Brennan, Hannah and Phoenix; sisters, Vicki (John) Belasco, Michelle (Juan Mendez) Tokarczyk; brother, Frank (Mirelda) Tokarczyk. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim, and sister, Kathy. SERVICE: Saturday, December 13, 2014, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Fr. Phil Salmonowicz officiating. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION: Friday, December 12, 2014, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM. MEMORIAL: St. Michaels Catholic Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Joe and to sign his online guest book.