Joseph S. Gurkey, age 49, of Chelsea, MI, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dexter Township on August 31, 2023.

Joe was born on July 7, 1974 in Mayfield Heights, OH to Joseph S. and Carol A. (Perlatti) Gurkey. He married Alyssabethe F. (Mefford) on October 4, 2003 in Lyndhurst, OH. They moved to Michigan shortly thereafter and have resided in Chelsea since 2017. He worked as a claims manager for 27 years for Progressive Insurance. Joe loved spending time outdoors. He was passionate about the weather and always wanted to be a meteorologist. He closely followed the Weather Channel, and at one point was a "spotter" for NBC News in Ohio. He was the most devoted and loving husband, father, and son, and a dear friend to many.

Joe is survived by his wife, Alyssa, three children, Grace, Jack, and Kate, his parents, Joseph and Carol Gurkey of Concord Twp., Ohio, mother-in-law, Marilyn Ford of The Villages, FL; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Thursday, September 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Due to the temporary road closure on M-52 just north of the funeral home, please know that you can still get to the funeral home.

If you are coming from the north, follow the detour signs to Sibley Road. If you are coming from the south (or town), the road is still open to local traffic. Go around the barricade.

Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund for his children. Please make checks to Alyssa Gurkey.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.