Joseph ‘Joe’ Francis Pryal, Jr.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Francis Pryal, Jr.
ESCANABA — Joseph “Joe” Francis Pryal, Jr., age 69, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday morning, January 6, 2021, at his home. He was born on October 15, 1951, in Escanaba, the son of Joseph Francis, Sr. and Elaine (Grager) Pryal. Joe was raised in Escanaba and was a 1968 graduate of Escanaba High School.
Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country for 23 years until his was honorably discharged and retired as Chief Petty Officer in 1993. In 1995, Joe moved back to Escanaba.
He furthered his education and received a Master Degree in Automotive Technology and VOCED Certified from Northern Michigan University. Joe taught math and automotive at the Delta Schoolcraft ISD and at Bay College part-time.
He married the former Julia Hendrick Schwark on March 8, 1997, in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared 23 years of marriage. Joe was a long-time member of the VFW Post 2998. He greatly enjoyed helping people and would do anything for anyone. Joe was an excellent master mechanic — there wasn’t a thing he could not fix. Joe was an excellent cook and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.
Joseph F. Pryal, Jr. is survived by his wife, Julia Pryal of Escanaba; son, Joseph Francis IV (Ann) Pryal of Green Bay, Wis., and Patrick Michael Pryal of Escanaba; daughter, Deana Marie Pryal of Wis.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, Michael (Kay) Pryal of Escanaba; four sisters, Jeanne Thill of Escanaba, Kathleen (Bob) Eckhardt of Colorado, Christina Ryan of Escanaba, and Maureen Quick of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Anne Pryal.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2021, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m., Monday, with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Pryal family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.