Joseph T Banka

Joseph Thomas Banka, 74, of Fort Gratiot, died Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

He was born January 26, 1950 in Detroit to the late Raymond and Caroline Banka. He married Marguerite Ann Lentz on August 16, 1975 in Port Huron.

Joseph served in The U.S. Army. Due to his extensive water skills, he was assigned to the Officers Beach at Fort Story, Virginia. He sailed in over 50 Mackinac Races, earning several 1st place finishes. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, very much.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Maggie; three daughters, Anna (Martin) Leivers, Frances (Davon) Kars and Caroline (Jonathan) Fretenborough; eight grandsons; and five siblings, Raymond (Nancy) Banka Jr., Victoria (Robert) Lumpkins, Elizabeth (Steven) Bailey, Robert Banka, and Catherine Christiansen.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024 in St. Mary Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Zbigniew Zomerfeld will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com