Joseph Zechmeister

Joseph Zechmeister of Caro, age 60, passed away peacefully in the home he built, surrounded by the love of family, on Friday, October 16, 2020. Joe was born November 23, 1959 in Detroit, the son of Peter & Katherina (Belfinger) Zechmeister. He moved from Detroit to Houghton Lake with his family when he was a young boy and graduated from Houghton Lake High School with the class of 1977. Shortly after, he came to Caro where he met his future bride, Clayette Lane. The couple moved to Houston, Texas and were united in marriage on April 24, 1981. While in Houston, Joe worked as operations manager for CPP Pinkerton. In search of a quieter life and to be closer to family, Joe and Clayette returned to Caro in 1988 and Joe set out to build the family home on Orr Road. As construction neared completion, he was hired by Walmart in Caro as a sporting goods associate before the store was even opened, a position he held for twenty-three years before retiring in 2016 due to health. Joe was happiest outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He was a great cook and could be counted on to man the barbeque. Joe was a talented builder and guitar player as well as an avid collector, especially of coins and sports cards. He found peace in mowing the lawn, a job he almost never trusted anyone else to do. The world also lost one of the most fervent Detroit Lions fans with Joe's passing, but he promised to continue rooting for them from heaven and seeing what he could do about a 2021 Superbowl win. If he has time, he'll also be rooting for his beloved University of Michigan, Red Wings and Pistons. Joe's family was everything to him and he will live on in the countless hearts he touched, including his wife, Clayette Zechmeister of Caro; three children, Joseph Zechmeister, Jr. and his wife, Angela of Mayville, Justin James Zechmeister of Caro, Rebecca Katherina Zechmeister and her fianc, Anthony Valentine, of Caro; two grandchildren, Stella and Gavin; his parents, Peter and Katherina Zechmeister of Caro; one brother, Tony Zechmeister of Caro; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe was preceded in death by two brothers, Peter and Stefan Zechmeister. In keeping with Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, in Caro with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the Zechmeister Family, c/o Clayette Zechmeister, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. Visitation Information Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, in Caro with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating.