Joseph Motyka, age 94 of Ludington passed away on Tuesday August 2, 2016 at Ludington Woods Living Center in Ludington.

He was born on May 3, 1922 in Ludington, son of the late John and Stephanie (Sadrakula) Motyka. Joseph enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II, where he flew 57 missions as P-51 fighter pilot during the China, Burma, India Theater. He was awarded the Air Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with 2 bronze stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. Joseph was honorably discharged from the military on January 29, 1946 as a 1st Lieutenant and Flight Commander.

Joseph married Jean Garlock on September 11, 1948 in Ludington. She preceded him in death March 12, 1995. Joseph later married Anne Marie (Coulter) Sarto on August 2, 1996 in Ludington. He was co-owner of Motyka Metal Products here in Ludington with his brothers Stanley and Walter Motyka up until his retirement in 1976.

He was a member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club for 50 plus years, a member of St. Simon Catholic Church, the Ludington Elks, the Ludington Knights of Columbus and the Ludington American Legion Post #76. Joseph was an avid golfer and fishermen.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Anne Motyka of Ludington; son, Daniel (Mary Lou) Motyka of Ludington; 2 granddaughters, Allison (Mike) Hanson of Ludington, Rachel (Andrew) Smith of Scottville; 3 great-grandchildren, Savannah and Matthew Hanson and Emmett Smith all of Ludington; 5 step-children, Ron (Dawn) Sarto of Ludington, Kathleen (Andrew) Schmidt of DePere, WI, Elizabeth (Dale) Rich of Charlevoix, Dan (Julee) Sarto of Ludington and Doug (Lisa) Sarto of Ludington; sister, Anne Masten of Ludington; nieces and nephews; numerous step-grandchildren; and 1 step-great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 1st wife, Jean; brothers, Stanley and Walter Motyka; sister, Sophie Rummer.

The funeral mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00AM on Friday August 5, 2016 at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Father Wayne Wheeler celebrant. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday August 4, 2016 from 6:00 till 8:00PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington with the evening vigil being prayed at 7:30PM. Visitation will also be held on Friday morning at the church from 10:00AM until time of funeral mass. Burial with military honors by the American Legion Post #76 will take place immediately following the funeral mass at Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Joseph may be directed to either Hospice of Michigan or the Ludington Area Catholic Foundation. Please feel free to share a memory or photo with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.