Joseph Malcolm Mongene, Jr

Joseph “Little Joe” Malcolm Mongene, Jr., age 84, of Dafter, Michigan passed away due to a car accident on April 2, 2020, near his home. 

Joe was born on July 19, 1935, in Hessel, Michigan to Joseph and Anna (Brown) Mongene, Sr. He married Irene Avella Martineau on April 2, 1966, in Rudyard, Michigan.  They were celebrating their 54^th wedding anniversary the day he passed.  Joe was a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  He worked in the logging industry, did maintenance work for Woodside, Inc., and was an excellent mechanic.  Joe loved going for country rides with the love of his life, Irene and spending time with his family. He also loved the outdoors; hunting, gardening, working in his yard, playing horseshoes, working on classic cars and going to the casino.  Joe knew Jesus as his Savior and prayed every day.  He was known as the “Mayor of Cottage Park” and remained there for the rest of his life.

Joe is survived by his wife: Irene A. Mongene; a son:  Danny (Mariea) Mongene of Kinross, MI; two daughters:  Tina (Dennis) Wurster of Kincheloe, MI and Judy Mongene of Kincheloe, MI; a step-daughter: Tammy (Paul) Kamprath of Grayling, MI; a brother: Fred Mongene of Raco, MI; and five grandchildren: Danielle Mongene; Melinda Mongene; Joe (Abby) Pine; Shyann Armstrong; and Jolene Pine.  He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Tristan Ortiz, Jaymian Lay, Lorelei Tharp, Nessie Pine, and two more great-grandchildren on the way. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, one brother; and a step-daughter: Linda Croad.

A private family viewing was held.  A graveside committal service will be held later this spring at the Kinross Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be planning a celebration of life at a later date.