Steve J. Dainoviec Sr.,

Steve J. Dainoviec Sr., 94

Longtime Petoskey resident, Steve Dainoviec Sr., passed away at home on Sunday, February 7, 2016.  He is survived by his loving wife, the former Vivian Haley; who Steve married in 1948. He is also survived by three of his four children, Betty Dainoviec-Brecheisen of Philadelphia, Steve Dainoviec Jr. of Petoskey and Deborah Parrish of Wakeford, Alabama.  He had 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, one brother, Mike Dainoviec Sr., and one sister, Lucy Nauta.  Preceding Steve in death were his son, James Dainoviec and his sister, Mary Bonter.

Steve was born in Elmira, Michigan on December 25, 1921 to Peter and Tillie (Kullik) Dainoviec.  At the age of 5 Steve's family moved to Petoskey where he attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School through the 8th grade.  He went on to graduate from Petoskey High School.  In 1939 Steve joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and served at Camp Wolverine.  Following his time with the CCC, Steve moved to Detroit, where he worked for his cousin, Bill Dajnowicz in the Tool & Die trade.  In August of 1942 Steve, like so many other young men, was called by his country to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  His service took him to the European, African and Middle Eastern, Theater of Operations.  Most notably seeing combat in the campaign in Italy where he took part in the amphibious landings there.  Steve was honorably discharged from active duty on November 22, 1945. 

Steve returned home to Petoskey and was employed with Barnum Brothers, where he remained through the mid 1950's.  Around this time Steve began a new career in plumbing and heating.  He worked for Ballard's Plumbing and Heating for more than 27 years and became a widely respected man in the trade.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish.  He liked to say, that every year he did his best to be a good friend to the DNR, by keeping the deer population at manageable levels.

Steve's life will be remembered and celebrated during a Funeral Mass that is planned for this Friday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  Visitation will take place Friday morning prior to mass in the church gathering space from 10-11 a.m. 

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