Joseph Risjan, age 95, of Waterford Township, passed away Friday, March 13, 2015 peacefully at home. Born in Charleroi, PA on December 22, 1919, he was a son of the late George and Suzie Kristoff Risjan, who met as they were immigrating from Czechoslovakia.
Joe will be remembered as a hard working man, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and also for his love for farming. Joseph, alongside his wife Clara Belle, owned and operated Risjan Dairy Farm in Waterford for over 70 years before turning duties over to their family and enjoying retirement together. Joe especially enjoyed visiting and spending time with his grandchildren, and was a longtime member of the Waterford Baptist Church.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Clara Belle (Wilcox) Risjan, his son, Donald Joseph Risjan and wife Sharon of Waterford, five grandchildren and their spouses, 16 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he will be reunited in Heaven with his son, David Samuel Risjan, and two sisters, Millie Oblinski and Alice Ursitti, and two brothers, John and Sam Risjan.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Jim Galvin of Waterford Baptist Church will officiate. Committal service will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Don, Roger and your families:
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your families upon hearing of the loss of your dad and grandpa. I am sure he was the cornerstone of the family and will be missed by everyone. The gifts he gave became part of who you are, a legacy of beauty, that lives on within each one of you. Through you, his spirit and love will continue to inspire goodness. You are a living tribute to him. “He leads me beside still waters: he restores my soul.” Psalm 23: 2-3 God’s Peace Dennis Vogan family