Joseph Mack

Joseph (Joe) Mack, 94, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Skilled Nursing in Tucson, Arizona, following complications from prostate cancer. Born January 8, 1931, in Dearborn, Michigan, Joe was the son of the late Agnes L. and Joseph A. Mientkiewicz. He was also preceded in death his brother, Ron Mack.

After graduating from high school, Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Knox before being stationed in Korea, where he managed the PX postal store. Following his honorable discharge, he attended college in East Lansing, Michigan, where he earned a degree in forestry.

His career with the U.S. Forest Service took him to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Beverly Smith. They were married in 1964. Joe worked in the White River National Forest in Glenwood Springs and later in Sheridan and Cody, Wyoming. He retired in 1983.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Mark W. Smith (Joni Bates) and Scott J. Smith (Brenda); his grandchildren, Zach Smith (Lorri Hill) and KaraLynn Roth (Brady), Taylor Smith (Baeder), Bailey Smith; and four great-grandchildren, with another expected in October. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Mack (Diana), and nephews, Steven Mack and Peter Mack (Renee) and sister-in-law Marie Mack.

In his spare time, Joe enjoyed playing Pinochle with his friends at The Fountains at La Cholla. He also loved watching golf and cheering on his favorite football team, the Detroit Lions, especially on weekends spent with his son Mark and daughter-in-law Joni.

Joe will be remembered for his warmth, quiet humor, and steadfast loyalty to family and friends. He valued life’s simple joys—cards around the table, a good football game, and time spent with those he loved most. His kindness and steady presence touched everyone who knew him, and his legacy lives on in his family and the memories they will always cherish.

A private family service will be held on September 23, followed by interment at the Church of the Apostles in Tucson, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice.

Joe’s family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at Brookdale Skilled Nursing and the angels at Amedisys Hospice, both located in Tucson, AZ.