Daniel Junak Sr.

Daniel was born in Ishpeming on October 24, 1958, the son of the late Jean R. (Plankey) and Thomas W. Junak, Jr. Known as “Jocko” since childhood, he grew up in Greenwood Location and graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1976. He worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for over 36 years, holding various roles, the last of which was as a crusher operator at the Empire Mine. After retiring from Cliffs, Jocko worked delivering parts for OK Industrial across the Upper Peninsula.

Jocko was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He had a deep love for spending time at camp and in the woods, along with watching the Detroit Tiger’s. Jocko and Pat also enjoyed summertime spent camping in their fifth wheel around the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. Mornings would often find him sharing coffee with friends at Rudy’s place, or at Sherry’s or Buck’s restaurant, where they would discuss the happenings of the day. Jocko took great pride in his possessions, especially his yard, which he meticulously cared for during the summer months.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Junak; daughter Kristy (Brad Havela) Junak; sons Rick (Tammy) Larmour and David (Jody) Larmour, all of Ishpeming; sister Cathy Junak Talsma of Ishpeming; three brothers, Dennis (Joan) Junak of Sumter, SC, Mark “Juneau” (Lisa) Junak of Ishpeming, and Greg “Tex” (LeeAnn) Junak of Greenville, WI; five grandchildren, Chase (Molly) Larmour, Elayne (Andrew) Eliason, Alexa Larmour, Ansley (Jordan) Hebert, and Kaylee Larmour; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ron Santora of Ishpeming, sister-in-law, Shirley (Jim) Maki of Negaunee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jocko was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Danny Junak Jr., who passed away in 2005.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Fr. Christian Flagstadt officiating. Interment will take place in Ishpeming Cemetery, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Jocko’s service will be livestreamed at ishpemingcatholic.com/live.

Jocko’s obituary can also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.