Obituary for Joseph Mathias Fedewa

Joseph Mathias Fedewa, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 12, 2023. Joseph was a beloved husband, father and grandfather during his incredible 85 years of life. His passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering. His infectious smile and laugh will live on forever.

He was born on November 21, 1937 in Niles, MI. The son of Henry and Rosa (Schrauben) Fedewa. Joe honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy (1956-1958) during the Cold War. Faith was a major part of his life and Joe was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a founding member of the St. Patrick School Board. He, along with his brother, Gerald, owned and operated Fedewa Bros. For many years building quality homes around Portland and the surrounding areas. Later in life he was a Building Superintendent-Director of Operations at Cooley Law School. He was a natural leader and held positions as the President of the Cherry Hill Association and served on the City of Portland Zoning Board. He was an avid reader, especially his newspapers and historical war books. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Alice, especially their trip to Alaska with their entire family for their 50th wedding anniversary. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gerald (Mary Catherine) Fedewa; sisters, Germaine (Fred) May and Rosemary (Tom) Pung;.Surviving are his wife of nearly 65 years, Alice (Kolp); children, Lynn (Daniel) Babbitt, Mary (Wade) Finney, Amy (Greg) Kwast and Joseph “Mike” (Amy) Fedewa, his grandchildren who adored him: Jeremy (Betsy), Justin (Liz), Adam (Tessa), Tyler, Shelby, Elizabeth (Ryan), and Tyson., as well as great grandchildren: Maddy, Beau, Athena and Ares, sister, Kathleen Bengel, and the sister and brothers in-laws in the Kolp family, as well as many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends Jim and Rose Ann Hellman and special friend, Ivan Lay. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023 at St.Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #4090. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church or to the American Heart Association in memory of Joseph. The family would like to express thanks to Heart-to-Heart Hospice, especially Nurse Kelly and aide Haleigh who helped make his transition at home a peaceful one. Though your hand may have slipped from ours, in the arms of the angels may you rest.