Joseph (Joe) Mileski
ESCANABA — Joseph (Joe) Mileski was born on Aug. 16, 1948, to Lillian (Rose) and Clarence Mileski. He was raised in “Northtown” and treasured his childhood memories. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1966. In 1971, he graduated from Central Michigan University. He began his teaching career that same year at the Escanaba Junior High School. He retired 36 years later, after touching the lives of so many students.
Joe was also an active member of the local community, as a school board and recreation board member, coach of numerous sports for many years, and countless volunteer activities throughout his life. Joe was truly a tender and caring man, helping others in any possible way. On June 18, 1977, he married Pamela Sandborn. Joe and Pam raised their three sons here in Escanaba. Prior to ill health, Joe enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking and tennis and, generally, being with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Clarence, and brother-in-law, Harold Flath, and mother and father in-law. Elon and Mary Sandborn.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; sons, Andrew (Abbigail), Peter (Charlotte), and Charles (Christian); grandchildren, Tyler, Molly, Benjamin and Savannah; sisters, Trudy (Harold) Flath and Katherine (Randy) Rehler; brothers, Michael (Carol) and John (Terri); and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Joseph (Joe) Mileski will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Bruce Hansen officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services at the Elk’s Lodge in Escanaba. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery. Many thanks to Joe’s family and good friends who stood by him and helped Pam throughout his last years in so many ways. In lieu of flowers, the Mileski family asks that donations be made in Joe’s name to either the Youth Assistance Program (YAP) (c/o Raymond James Financial Services, 812 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI 49829) or the National Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give).
Envelopes will also be available at the Anderson Funeral Home. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.