Joseph Shelest

     Joseph Shelest age 95 of St. Johns Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Gib Hale officiating. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Owosso, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Joe was born on February 6, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of John Andrew and Molly (Begus) Shelest. Joe graduated from Greenville High School, with the class of 1948. Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Buckmaster. They had 5 children: Richard (Peggy) Shelest, Larry (Jackie) Shelest, Kathy (Doug) Cline, Clara (Jerry) Swihart, and Andrew Shelest. Joe was a devoted father and grandfather.
     He was a hard worker and a hobby farmer. He was an avid gardener. His garden contained a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and fruit trees. Joe would work his shift at the factory, and then returned home to work in his garden and yard frequently until nightfall. He retired from Midwest Abrasive in Owosso, Michigan. Joe loved the Detroit Tigers. He attended many games. If they were on television, he would watch them.
     Joe eventually moved to Ithaca, Michigan where he made many friends. Every day you could find him at the senior center playing Uno, Dominos, or any game you wanted to play. Everyone called him Kokomo, and “I’ll buy that” was often heard while playing his favorite Progressive Rummy card game.
     Joe is survived by his five children, 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and one daughter-in-law, Peggy Shelest.
     Online condolences may be sent at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.